Quinoa Burgers Recipe: How to Make Quinoa Burgers

A quinoa burger is a vegetarian alternative to the classic beef burger, made with a base of cooked quinoa, black beans, breadcrumbs, vegetables, and spices. Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is an ancient grain in the amaranth family. The gluten-free, quick-cooking whole grain is a complete protein rich in essential amino acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and magnesium.

Follow these simple tips to make the best quinoa burgers possible.

1. 1. Rinse the quinoa. Always rinse your quinoa before cooking it to remove any debris. Quinoa with a “pre-rinsed” label on the box is the only exception to this rule.
2. 2. Experiment with ingredients. Incorporate different ingredients into your quinoa burgers for variations in flavor. A versatile recipe for this dish can include red or black quinoa, beans (like pinto, kidney, white beans, or chickpeas), vegetables, herbs, and seasonings (like chili powder, smoked chipotle, and garlic powder).
3. 3. Try a vegan version. Swap the regular egg for a flax egg to make a completely vegan burger. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
4. 4. Bake or grill the burgers. Switch up the cooking method for nutritious quinoa veggie burgers. Bake them in a 400-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 15–20 minutes for a more hands-off option. Alternatively, cook the patties on a medium-heat grill for 8–10 minutes per side.
5. 5. Make the patties in advance. Assemble these quinoa burgers up to 2 days before cooking them. Store the assembled patties in the refrigerator on a covered plate.
6. 6. Store in an airtight container. Store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze the uncooked patties in an airtight freezer bag and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You can reheat the burgers in a skillet on the stovetop.