Whether they’re made from beans, grains, tofu, or mushrooms, veggie burgers offer just as much (if not more) opportunity for creative twists as meat-based burgers. These plant-based patties are a few of our favorites.
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RecipeGrilled Chickpea Burgers with Creamy Lemon Tahini Sauce
Forget beef burgers. Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon come together here in creamy, hearty bean burgers that taste like a cross between hummus and falafel.
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RecipeQuinoa and Black Bean Burgers with Tomatillo Guacamole
Quinoa gives these veggie burgers a fantastic “chew,” and of course packs plenty of protein. Tasty on an English muffin, they’re also delicious served sans bun.
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RecipeRoasted Portabella & Garlic Burger
In this recipe, the portabella is served whole, like a hamburger. If a whole cap doesn’t fit on your bread, slice the cap on the diagonal, put the slices on the bread, top with cheese, and then broil.
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RecipeWhite Bean Burgers with Tomato-Olive Relish
This veggie burger is a lively combination of classic Italian flavors. It’s just as good served without the bun.
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RecipeSpicy Thai Tofu Burgers
Don’t hide this pretty, veggie-packed patty in a bun; serve it on a Thai-inspired salad of chopped lettuce tossed with bean sprouts, grated carrot, and chopped fresh mint and cilantro. Thin some Miso Mayonnaise with a little water and lime juice and drizzle it over all, or use your own favorite Asian dressing.
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RecipeBuddha Karma Burger
Here’s an inventive take on a veggie burger from Chicago Diner’s Jose Martinez. The sweet potato and tofu patty is seasoned deliciously with curry and topped with chimichurri. -
RecipeMiddle Eastern Chickpea Burgers
Toasty spices and chickpeas give this burger a flavor evocative of falafel. Serve it in or on a pita with some store-bought or homemade tzatziki and a salad of chopped tomato, red onion, parsley, lemon, and olive oil.
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RecipeBlack Bean and Pepper Jack Burgers
With fresh scallions, cilantro, and spicy pepper Jack cheese, these zingy burgers are a far tastier option than veggie burgers from the freezer case. Rolled oats help hold them together. Avocado and jarred salsa go with the southwestern theme, but lettuce, tomato, and ketchup are also good toppings.
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RecipeUmami Bomb Mushroom Burgers
This is an exceptionally "meaty" veggie burger, thanks to the deep, savory flavor in the mushrooms and soy sauce, the richness of the cashews, and the pleasantly chewy texture of the rice. Even meat-eaters will be satisfied by this one. For a match made in heaven, top it with Miso Mayonnaise.
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RecipeGarlicky White Bean Burgers
Beans make up the bulk of this burger, but that’s far from all there is to it. Farro gives it texture, while sun-dried tomatoes, Parmigiano, rosemary, and fennel seed add loads of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Skip the buns and serve over a lightly dressed arugula salad featuring olives, capers, pine nuts, tomatoes, and some grilled lemon, if you like.
