Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema
A 'genuine' plant-based burger that's 'true' to its roots—no soy substitutes, featuring whole black beans and a creamy avocado sauce. This mexican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 28 minutes pairs rinsed and drained canned black beans, fresh or frozen corn kernels, yellow cornmeal for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 15 oz, rinsed and drained canned black beans
- 1/2 cup, fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1, pitted and peeled avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 whole wheat buns
- 2 cups mixed greens
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse beans until mostly mashed but still slightly chunky. Add corn, cornmeal, red onion, cumin, and pulse until combined.
- Step 2: Form 4 equal patties (about 1/2-inch thick) and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mash avocado with lime juice and 2 tbsp cilantro until smooth. Spread on buns, top with a patty, and add mixed greens for freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh or frozen corn kernels from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema?
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 Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema 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.
What goes well with Genuine Black Bean Burger with Avocado Crema?
Mexican vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
