Cajun Black Bean Mini Burgers (Print View)

Spicy vegetarian mini burgers with black beans and Cajun seasoning. Great as appetizers or flavorful party snacks.

# Components:

→ Burger Patties

01 - 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
03 - 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying

→ Mini Burger Assembly

13 - 18 mini slider buns or toasted baguette slices
14 - 1/2 cup spicy mayo or Cajun aioli
15 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
16 - 1 large tomato, sliced thin
17 - 18 mini dill pickle slices

# Method:

01 - In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, aiming for a consistency with some remaining texture. Incorporate the finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, large egg, panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional fresh cilantro. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
02 - Divide the black bean mixture into 18 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small patty, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they achieve a golden brown hue and are firm to the touch.
04 - Lightly toast the mini slider buns or baguette slices until they are lightly golden.
05 - To assemble each mini burger, spread a layer of spicy mayo on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Place a cooked black bean patty on top of the mayo. Layer with shredded lettuce, a thin slice of tomato, and a mini dill pickle slice. Cap with the top half of the bun.
06 - Serve the mini burger bites warm. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect for parties or as a fun family dinner option
  • Customizable spice level to suit all palates
  • Vegetarian friendly with a simple vegan option
02 -
  • Each mini burger provides 4 grams of protein while staying under 100 calories
  • The patties freeze beautifully for make-ahead meal prep
  • These burgers hold together without needing flour, making them lighter than traditional veggie burgers
03 -
  • The secret to perfectly textured bean burgers is leaving some beans whole while mashing others completely. This creates structure while maintaining moisture.
  • For extra flavor, sauté the onions and peppers before adding them to the mixture. Their natural sweetness will intensify and add another dimension to your burgers.
  • When forming patties, avoid compressing the mixture too firmly which can result in dense, heavy burgers. A light touch creates the ideal texture that holds together without becoming tough.
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