Mushroom Veggie Burgers

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, then you’ve come to the right place! These Mushroom Veggie Burgers are a favorite in our household, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Packed with wholesome ingredients like mushrooms, beans, and walnuts, they deliver incredible flavors and textures. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, these burgers are sure to please everyone at the table!

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can bake the patties for a healthier option or pan-sear them for that irresistible charred flavor. Plus, they’re fantastic for cookouts—just pre-cook them, pop them on the grill, and watch your friends and family rave about these veggie delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have mouthwatering veggie burgers ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good burger, and these Mushroom Veggie Burgers are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep these burgers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of mushrooms, beans, and spices creates an irresistible taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple ingredients! This recipe uses wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You’ll love how everything comes together to create these fantastic Mushroom Veggie Burgers.

For the Burgers

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 16 ounces cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, sliced (or a blend of portobello, shiitake or cremini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup raw walnut halves
• 1 ¼ cups cooked pearled barley (see Notes for subs)
• 1 cup cooked pinto or black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 2 Tablespoons vegan worcestershire sauce (see Notes)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using lentils instead of beans for a different texture and flavor.
• Add some spice: Mix in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like your burgers with a kick!
• Change up the grains: Substitute quinoa or brown rice for barley if you prefer.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil to give your burgers a unique twist.

How to Make Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Stirring occasionally, you’ll want to cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and it mostly evaporates—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Adding garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika at this stage enhances the flavors beautifully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything looks dry; this step ensures your veggie burger mixture won’t be too watery.

Step 2: Prepare for Baking

While your veggies cool slightly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easier later on and prevents sticking!

Step 3: Process Your Mixture

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the raw walnuts until they are coarsely crumbled. Next, add your sautéed mushroom mixture along with cooked barley, beans, nutritional yeast, vegan worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Process everything until combined but still chunky—this texture will give your burgers great bite!

Step 4: Form Your Patties

Now it’s time to shape those burgers! Using about scant ½ cup of mixture per patty will yield around 8 burgers. If you’re feeling fancy, brush each patty with vegan worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor and sprinkle some black pepper on top.

Step 5: Bake Them Up!

Place the formed patties on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking! They should come out firm and golden brown—just perfect.

Step 6: Pan-Seared Option

If you’re in the mood for something crispy on the outside, preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat instead. Add 2 tablespoons of high-heat cooking oil. Cook about 2-3 burgers at a time in the skillet for about 5 minutes per side until they are nicely charred. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

And there you have it—delicious homemade Mushroom Veggie Burgers ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Making the perfect veggie burger can be a rewarding experience, and a few helpful tips can take your mushroom veggie burgers from good to great!

• Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms not only enhance the flavor but also provide a better texture. Avoid canned mushrooms as they tend to be mushy and can affect the overall consistency of your patties.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the formed patties to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking helps them firm up, making it easier to handle them during cooking and ensuring they hold their shape.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste! Adding ingredients like cumin or chili powder can give your burgers a unique twist that caters to your personal palate.

• Opt for the right cooking method: If you prefer a healthier option, baking is great, but pan-searing gives that delightful charred flavor. Choose based on the texture you’re aiming for!

• Customize toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s avocado slices, spicy mustard, or fresh herbs, customizing your toppings can elevate each bite into something special.

How to Serve Mushroom Veggie Burgers

Serving mushroom veggie burgers is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado slices not only look stunning but also provide a rich texture that complements the burger perfectly.
• Pickled onions: Tangy pickled onions add a zesty crunch that brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory veggie burgers.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the burgers and adds a satisfying crunch.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon dressing brings a nutritious element to your meal that complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.

• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add vibrant colors and smoky flavors that pair beautifully with mushroom veggie burgers.

These serving suggestions will surely impress your family and friends at any gathering! Enjoy crafting these delicious meals together.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mushroom Veggie Burgers are perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch in advance, ensuring you have delicious and healthy meals ready to go throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the veggie burgers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For reheating from the fridge: Simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
• For frozen patties: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated thoroughly, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

If you’re curious about making these delicious Mushroom Veggie Burgers, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make Mushroom Veggie Burgers nut-free?

Absolutely! You can replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!

How do I grill Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

For grilling, pre-cook the patties as instructed and then place them on the grill over medium heat. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side for a smoky flavor.

What toppings pair well with Mushroom Veggie Burgers?

You can top your burgers with fresh avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, or your favorite vegan sauce. Get creative!

Are Mushroom Veggie Burgers gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.

How do I know when my Mushroom Veggie Burgers are done cooking?

When baked, they should be firm to the touch and golden brown. For pan-seared burgers, look for a nice char on both sides before removing from heat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy crafting these delightful Mushroom Veggie Burgers as much as I do! They’re not just nourishing; they’re packed with flavor and texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a cookout or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these burgers are sure to impress. Happy cooking and bon appétit!