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A shot of black bean plantain burgers on a baking tray with roasted plantains, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and coriander on the side.
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5 from 1 vote

Black Bean Plantain Burgers

A hearty, vegan-friendly burger made with sweet plantains and black beans — a delicious twist on the traditional burger
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: black bean plantain burger, plantain bean burger, plantain burger, vegan burger
Servings: 4 patties

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl for combining the black beans, mashed plantains, and seasoning.
  • Potato masher or fork to mash the plantain and beans into a chunky patty mixture.
  • Baking tray lined with parchment paper for baking the burger patties and roasted plantain.
  • Oven or air fryer to bake or roast the plantains until golden and caramelised.
  • Burger press kit or scoop to shape even, compact burger patties that hold their form.
  • Sharp knife & chopping board for slicing onion, tomato, and plantain rounds.
  • Spatula or tongs to flip the patties halfway through baking or frying.
  • Measuring cups & spoons for accurate seasoning and oats measurements.

Ingredients

If using canned beans

  • 2 × 400 g cans black beans drained & rinsed ≈ 480 g beans

If using dry beans

  • 200 g dried black beans soak & cook — yields cooked beans ≈ 480 g cooked beans

For the Patties

  • 1 ripe yellow plantain ≈ 200 g peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves minced ≈ 9 g
  • ¼ red onion finely sliced ≈ 25 g
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15 ml
  • ¾ cup rolled oats ≈ 75g
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds ≈ 2g
  • 1 tsp chilli powder ≈ 2g
  • 1 tsp paprika ≈ 2g
  • 1 red chilli finely chopped ≈ 5 g
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander finely chopped ≈ 4 g
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

  • 1 ripe plantain peeled & sliced into rounds ≈ 200 g
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil ≈ 15ml
  • 4 brioche buns vegan or regular
  • 2 lettuce leaves shredded
  • ½ large tomato sliced ≈ 80 g
  • Extra red onion slices for topping
  • 1 tbsp mayo ≈15 g, or vegan sauce of choice
  • cheese slices optional

Instructions

If Using Dry Beans

  • Rinse 200 g dried black beans. Place in a bowl, cover with plenty of water, and soak overnight (8–12 hours).
  • Drain and rinse. Transfer beans to a pot with 1 L fresh water and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 60–75 minutes, until tender. Drain and cool.
  • or use the pressure cooker method: Cook soaked beans with 1 L water for 20–25 minutes on high pressure.

Prepare the Patties

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Peel 1 ripe plantain, chop into chunks, and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the cooked or canned black beans, oats, onion, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, red chilli, and coriander.
  • Mash together with a potato masher until well combined but still slightly chunky.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Shape & Bake

  • Divide the bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each into patties (about ½ cup mixture each).
  • Place patties on the prepared tray.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and lightly crisp.

Roast the Plantain

  • Peel the second plantain and cut into 1 cm rounds.
  • Place on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and roast for 20 minutes, flipping once, until golden and caramelised.

Assemble the Burgers

  • Lightly toast the brioche buns.
  • Layer from bottom up: lettuce, patty, tomato slices, onion rings, roasted plantains, a dollop of mayo or sauce, and a final layer of lettuce.
  • Top with the bun, press gently, and serve immediately while warm.

Video

Notes

  • Patties hold shape best if mixture is chilled for 20 minutes before baking.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or lemon to brighten flavours.
  • Serve with baked fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh side salad.