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Homemade veggie burger recipe with quinoa patties served on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato

Best Veggie Burger

A hearty, flavorful veggie burger made with quinoa, oats, and fresh vegetables. Ready in about 40 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or cookouts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 181

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa or 2 cups leftover cooked quinoa — skip Step 1 if using leftovers
  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats do not substitute quick oats
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan version
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup canned corn drained and patted dry
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 3 green onions white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
  • hamburger buns and toppings as desired for serving
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for stovetop cooking only — not needed for oven or grill

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Small saucepan
  • Cast iron or nonstick skillet
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet (oven method)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Spread onto a plate and let cool for at least 15 minutes before using. Warm quinoa makes the patties sticky and difficult to shape.
  2. Add the oats to a food processor and pulse until semi-finely ground. A few larger pieces remaining is fine.
  3. Add the cooked quinoa, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse about 8 times to start combining. Add the corn, red bell pepper, and green onions. Pulse 6 to 8 more times. The mixture should look chunky and combined, not smooth. Do not over-process.
  4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Refrigerate on a plate for 10 minutes before cooking to help the patties hold their shape.
  5. Stove: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side until browned and the center reaches 160 degrees F. Cover the pan if the outside browns too quickly. Oven: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until center reaches 160 degrees F. Grill: Preheat to medium heat, oil grates well, and use a grill topper or basket. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side until center reaches 160 degrees F.
  6. Serve on hamburger buns with your desired toppings.

Notes

For vegan burgers, replace the egg with a flax egg: stir together 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal and 2 1/2 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes before using. Patties benefit from a 10-minute refrigerator rest after shaping to help them hold together during cooking. Nutrition information is for burger patties only and does not include buns or toppings.