Print

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers are a smoky, flavorful plant-based option combining tender roasted aubergine with hearty black beans and vibrant BBQ sauce. These easy-to-make burgers offer a satisfying texture and rich taste, perfect for lunches, dinners, or party sliders. Nutritious and filling, they are loaded with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome choice for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large aubergine (eggplant)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose a quality, smoky variety)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or oats (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing and cooking
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for heat)
  • Fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley
  • Vegan cheese, for topping
  • Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, vegan mayo or tangy slaw, for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast and Shred the Aubergine: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Roast the whole aubergine on a baking tray until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, about 40 minutes. Once cooled, peel and shred the flesh using forks to create a pulled texture.
  2. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the rinsed black beans along with smoked paprika and cumin, cooking for a few minutes to deepen the flavors.
  3. Combine Aubergine and Beans: In a large bowl, mix the shredded aubergine with the black bean mixture. Stir in the BBQ sauce and breadcrumbs (or oats) to bind everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Shape the Burgers: Form the mixture into patties about the size of your palm. Press them firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking.
  5. Cook the Patties: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan with a little olive oil. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Notes

  • Roasting the aubergine whole enhances smokiness and tenderness.
  • Use just enough breadcrumbs to hold the mixture without drying out patties.
  • Choose a quality smoky BBQ sauce for best flavor.
  • Press patties firmly when shaping to maintain structure during cooking.
  • Serve burgers warm, fresh off the pan or grill for the best taste.
  • Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or in oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: plant-based burger, vegan burger, aubergine burger, black bean burger, BBQ burger, gluten-free burger