Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers
Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers are a smoky, satisfying, and delicious vegan option blending tender roasted aubergine with hearty black beans. Perfectly seasoned with smoky BBQ sauce and spices, these plant-based burgers offer a meaty texture and rich flavor, ideal for grilling or pan-frying. They are gluten-free friendly, easy to prepare, and versatile for various serving styles.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 burgers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-based
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium aubergines
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Roast the Aubergine: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pierce the aubergines several times with a fork, then place them whole on a baking tray. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, creating a smoky, tender base.
- Prepare the Pulled Aubergine: Once cool enough to handle, slice aubergines in half and use a fork to gently shred the flesh into long strands resembling pulled meat. Transfer these strands to a mixing bowl.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This creates a savory foundation for the burger mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: To the bowl with pulled aubergine, add lightly mashed black beans, sautéed onion and garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and BBQ sauce. Mix well to combine. If the mixture is too wet, gradually stir in the breadcrumbs until the mixture is firm enough to shape.
- Form and Cook Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 even portions and shape them into patties. Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and heated through.
Notes
- Patience with roasting is key to develop the smoky, meaty texture.
- Don’t over-mash the beans; keep some texture for better bite and structure.
- Breadcrumb alternatives include oat flour or ground flaxseed for gluten-free binding.
- Chilling patties briefly before cooking helps them hold their shape.
- Adjust BBQ sauce to your preferred sweetness and tanginess using any brand or homemade options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan burger, pulled BBQ aubergine, black bean burger, plant-based burger, gluten-free burger, smoky burger, BBQ burger