Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa
Plant-based burgers with warm spices and a fresh avocado salsa for a vibrant, satisfying meal. This vegetarian-inspired vegetarian (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 23 minutes blends (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, cooked quinoa, finely diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup, cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1, diced avocado
- 1/2 cup, diced tomato
- 2 tbsp, minced red onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Mash black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Step 2: Stir in cooked quinoa, diced onion, cumin, garlic powder, and flour until well combined.
- Step 3: Divide mixture into 4 patties, pressing firmly to hold shape.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 5: While burgers cook, combine avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Serve burgers topped with avocado salsa and a lime wedge on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cumin-Crusted Black Bean Burgers with Avocado Salsa vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.