In our experience, there are two times of year when your dedication to a vegan meal plan is tested: the holidays and the summer season. The period between Thanksgiving and New Years is an obvious one (ahem, turkey), but why summer? It’s BBQ season.
On Memorial Day, we’ll un-officially kick off the start to another summer. Three months of spending lazy days at the pool, visiting the beach, and of course, backyard barbecues. If you’re anything like me, firing up the grill is a huge part of celebrating summer’s longer days and warmer nights. In fact, I don’t think it’d truly feel like summer unless I didn’t eat tofu charred to perfection and slathered in BBQ sauce at least once a week.
Since burgers are typically the food of choice for such occasions, we vegans have to get creative when it comes to our contribution to the grill. Sure, you can eat grilled corn, peaches and peppers, but there’s something super satisfying about biting into a hearty, flavorful patty dressed with all of your favorite toppings that you just can’t get from fruits and veggies.
To get you prepared for a summer season of eating vegan, we came up with our favorite vegan burger recipes that’ll absolutely blow your mind. Traditional burgers covered with cheese and other processed dairy products don’t stand a chance to these plant-based patties with a whole foods approach. Try one or try them all, these vegan burgers pack enough flavor, nutrients and variety to keep you satisfied all summer long.
Black Bean Burgers
Author: Well Vegan
These black bean burgers are so easy to make any night of the week. We think they’re best served with avocado or guacamole, but just about anything would be great. Maybe even a grilled pineapple ring, if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Best Damn Vegan Burger
Author: hot for food
Delicious caramelized onions are a big part of what holds the best damn vegan burger together. Add in black beans, beefless grounds, vital wheat gluten, cumin, and paprika and after one juicy bite you’ll be convinced that vegan is the way to be.
Taco Burger
Author: Veggie Inspired
As the name implies, this taco burger contains all of the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish inside a hearty vegan burger. We’re talking pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, cilantro and even salsa. And, since they’re baked instead of pan fried, the majority of time it takes to make these is hands-off.
Best-Ever Beet and Bean Burgers
Author: The Kitchn
This recipe for beet and bean burgers manages to capture the unique hamburger texture that’s lacking in so many mushy veggie burgers. If you want to throw them on a grill, which we’re sure you do, cook them in a veggie basket or other grill-top device so the patties don't break and fall through the grates.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
Author: Happy Healthy Mama
These sweet potato and black bean burgers from Happy Healthy Mama are pretty simple to make as long as you’ve pre-cooked your sweet potato and quinoa. Once you have those key ingredients, you’re minutes away from chowing down on one of these fiber- and protein-rich patties.
Indian Spiced Chickpea & Cauliflower Patties
Author: Poppy and the Bees
Not your typical vegan burger, these patties contain Indian spices that give them a unique flavor. They’re 100 percent gluten free and are tasty eaten hot or cold, making them perfect to bring in your lunchbox the day after a barbecue.
Herc
Thank you for your great article.
In fact many carnivores prefer vegan venues, as i found out on this article :
http://animal-welfare.org/worlds-best-burger/
Anybody likes vegan burgers ?
Well Vegan
@Jenn - Your taco burger is amazing!!!
Well Vegan
I couldn't agree more. I'm so tired of all the store bought ones. 🙂
John
These look like some great options for Memorial Day BBQs. Nice to have alternatives to store bought veggie burgers.
Jenn
I'll take one of each please! Veggie burgers are the best. We eat them usually about once a week around here. Thank you so much for featuring my Taco Burger! Sharing!