These black bean burgers are the best I have ever made, and the matcha green tea powder is such a fun new ingredient to try out.

Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli from the side

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Why We Love This Recipe For Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli

Last night I made these black bean burgers with green tea basil aioli from the cookbook Steeped: Recipes infused with Tea. We had them for dinner and the whole family devoured them. My six year old even asked if she could take one to school for lunch!

As a meat eater who loves to eat vegetarian several nights a week, I am what I call an equal opportunity burger lover! I love me a good homemade veggie burger: From my Chickpea Burger recipe to these Southwest Bean Burgers. Burgers of any shape and size are always a win! To get a sense of some of my faves, here is a list of other Healthy Burger Recipes.

That’s why I knew I had to share this recipe with you all because this was one of the best veggie burgers I have made. The texture of the half mashed/half whole beans with the toasted pecans is absolute perfection!

And the super flavorful basil and garlic aioli brings a lot to the plate too! This was my first time using matcha, which is powdered green tea, and I loved the flavor it added to the aioli. It is quite unexpectedly savory.

Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

Black beans

Any canned black beans that you normally use are fine. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before combining with the remaining ingredients.

Matcha green tea powder

Try to find matcha powder that is vivid green in color for the best flavor. You can get a culinary grade, which is perfect for cooking and baking, but any matcha you have access to will be great. You can also use it for Matcha Lattes or add it to smoothies. Try my Super Green Tea Antioxidant Smoothie or make this Matcha Cake recipe.

Basil

Fresh basil can be found in the produce section of any large grocery store. The leaves should be bright green with few brown/pale spots or imperfections.

Egg yolk

The egg yolks are needed to make the homemade aioli. If you are concerned with the safety of eating raw and undercooked eggs look for pasteurized eggs.

Pecans

Pecans are used in the black bean burger mix and are essential for the best texture. Although pecans are definitely recommended here, if you can’t find them you can use walnuts instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make These Black Bean Burgers

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan to coat. Add carrot, onion, garlic, bell pepper and salt and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Make bean burgers

Drain 1 can black beans and transfer to a food processor. Add the pecans and the vegetable mixture. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. Drain the remaining can of beans and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the purée bean mixture and stir to combine. Add the eggs, breadcrumbs and red pepper flake and stir to combine. Mound ½ cup-fulls onto the prepared baking sheet (a ½ cup dry measure works well.) press lightly to flatten leaving space between burgers. Bake until completely dry and a little crisp, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Make aioli

Purée the basil, garlic, yolks, lemon juice, matcha and Dijon in a food processor or blender. Gradually drizzle in ½ cup olive oil while the motor is running until the mixture is thick, smooth and the oil is completely integrated. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve black bean burgers

Serve the burgers with the aioli on buns with tomatoes and lettuce, if desired.

Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli

FAQs and Expert Tips

How long can you keep homemade aioli in the fridge?

Yes. Once you’ve finished making the aioli, cover with a lid (or plastic wrap) and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. Take note that garlic flavor will develop as the aioli sits.

Can you make homemade aioli without a food processor or mixer?

Yes, although you might end up with a sore arm. Combine all the ingredients besides the oil, then as you slowly drizzle oil into the mixture, rapidly whisk using a handheld whisk (or handheld electric mixer).

Can homemade bean burgers be frozen?

Yes! These bean burgers freeze really well. Shape and place in a ziploc bag with squares of parchment paper placed in between each. Freeze for 1 to 2 months.

Can the bean mixture be made without a food processor or mixer?

Yes. Simply use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans, then mash in the remaining ingredients.

Additional Black Bean Recipes To Try

Thanks so much for reading! If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my email newsletter to get a free weekly menu plan and the latest recipes right to your inbox. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought!

Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli

Black Bean Burgers with Green Tea Basil Aioli


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Katie Webster
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 burgers, 1 cup aioli 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These black bean burgers are the best I have ever made, and the matcha green tea powder is such a fun new ingredient to try out.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Burgers

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 medium green pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 2 15ounce cans black beans, divided
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake

Aioli

  • 10 large fresh basil leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled (or to taste)
  • 4 egg yolks (see note*)
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

for serving

  • Buns, lettuce and tomatoes if desired

Instructions

  1. Make burgers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Swirl pan to coat. Add carrot, onion, garlic, bell pepper and salt and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
  3. Drain 1 can black beans and transfer to a food processor. Add pecans and the vegetable mixture. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste. Drain the remaining can of beans and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the pureed bean mixture and stir to combine. Add the eggs, breadcrumbs and red pepper flake and stir to combine. Mound ½ cup-fulls onto the prepared baking sheet (a ½ cup dry measure works well.) press lightly to flatten leaving space between burgers. Bake until completely dry and a little crisp, about 45 minutes.
  4. Make aioli: Puree basil, garlic, yolks, lemon juice, matcha and Dijon in a food processor or blender. Gradually drizzle in ½ cup olive oil while motor is running until the mixture is thick, smooth and the oil is completely integrated. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve the burgers with the aioli on buns with tomatoes and lettuce if desired.

Notes

This aioli is a true garlic lovers mayonnaise. If you prefer a less overtly garlic flavor, feel free to use less than the prescribed 4 cloves in your aioli. NOTE* If you are concerned with the safety of eating raw and undercooked eggs look for pasteurized eggs.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: stove top and Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger, 1 bun and 2 tablespoons aioli
  • Calories: 268
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein: 14 g