Vegan Quinoa Burgers | Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen

Vegan quinoa burgers contain quinoa, chickpeas, flour, and fresh vegetables. Instead of buying a store-bought veggie burger, make this easy, delicious vegan quinoa burger recipe.

Summertime is the time for barbeques and grilling out. Although I love beet burgers and grilled portobello mushroom burgers, I like veggie burger variety. Since I’m a huge quinoa fan, I made vegan burgers. This vegan quinoa burger recipe is super easy and delicious.

Different Types of Quinoa

White, red, and black quinoa are readily available at most grocery stores. Even tri-colored quinoa seems to be making an appearance on grocery shelves as well.

Believe it or not, according to the Whole Grains Council, there are 120 known varieties of quinoa. But what’s the difference between the different colors and varieties? 

White quinoa, for instance, is the most common quinoa. Tan in color, this quinoa is usually used to replace rice in dishes. Gluten-free and 100% complete protein, quinoa have a nutty flavor and lighter texture. Like rice, white quinoa tastes somewhat neutral, and most people prefer to cook with white quinoa. 

Despite being mistaken as a grain, quinoa is a seed; when cooked takes on the shape of couscous. 

However, my favorite quinoa by far is red quinoa, which is bold, colorful, and earthy in flavor. I absolutely love the vibrant color in salads and bowls next to vegetables.

On the other hand, black quinoa is much like red quinoa in its texture and bolder flavor. Again, black quinoa is beautiful in a salad or bowl and brings an added pop of color. 

Tricolor quinoa, another beautiful and colorful seed, brings a variety of quinoa together in one bag. 

Nutritional Information

The nutritional benefits of quinoa, however, are impressive. According to Healthline, this is the nutrient content in 1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa:

• Protein: 8 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Manganese: 58% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
• Folate: 19% of the RDA.
• Copper: 18% of the RDA.
• Iron: 15% of the RDA.
• Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
• Potassium 9% of the RDA.
• Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2, and B6.
• Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin), and vitamin E.

This comes with 222 calories, with 39 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

If you need help making the perfect quinoa, here is a helpful guide about how to cook quinoa!

Vegan Quinoa Burgers Ingredients

• Canned Chickpeas: Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low glycemic index (GI). As a result, chickpeas help manage cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure; maintain healthy body weight; and support gut health.
• Chickpea Flour: Chickpea flour is an excellent substitute for wheat flour. It has a better nutrient profile than refined flour, providing more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein but fewer calories and carbs.
• Tri-Colored Quinoa: Quinoa is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. A high-fiber diet has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, improve digestion, help to lower blood sugar levels and contribute to a healthy weight. Quinoa contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
• Aquafaba (Canned Chickpea Fluid): Aquafaba is an egg replacement usually made from chickpea water. Some people also use soybean water or water from other neutral-tasting beans. Not only is it a healthy alternative to eggs, but it is also vegan-friendly.
• Baby Bell Peppers: Baby bell peppers are sweet and come in various colors.
• White Onion: These onions have a sharper and savory flavor than yellow onions. They also tend to be more tender and have a thinner, papery skin. However, when cooked, white onions sweeten.
• Garlic: I prefer using fresh garlic whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Parsey adds a freshness to the burger mixture.
• Jalapeno (Optional): If you want a spicer burger, chop up a jalapeno and add it to the mixture.

Vegan Quinoa Burgers Ingredient Substitutions

• White beans are often substituted for chickpeas in recipes.
• Any type of flour substitutes chickpea flour in this recipe.
• Choose any color quinoa to make the vegan patties.
• Instead of aquafaba, try silken tofu or flax egg as a binder.
• Try red bell peppers if you don’t have baby bell peppers for a similar sweetness.
• Yellow onion or red onion replaces the white onion.
• One clove of garlic equals about ⅛th of a teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Basil or cilantro are other suggested fresh herbs for the burger mixture.
• You can just skip the optional jalapeno if you don’t like spicy. However, if you like spicy, add a few seeds to the mix for an even spicer blend.

1. Even though I used my Kitchen Aid Food Processor, this recipe can be made by crushing the chickpeas with a fork.
2. First, pulse the chickpeas to chop them up. Then, add the quinoa, chickpea flour, and aquafaba.
3. Pulse to combine. DO NOT over pulse or blend on high. Only pulse until the ingredients are combined.
4. Once combined, I poured the contents into a bowl and added the sauteed vegetables and parsley.

The vegan quinoa burger mixture may appear grainy when mixed, but the aquafaba will bind the burgers together.

As with all my burger recipes and vegan crab cakes, I use my Cuisinart Burger Press to form perfect patties.

Again, vegan quinoa burgers can be made with your hands. It is essential, however, to make them equal in size so they cook at the same rate.

Because I meal prep, I make vegan quinoa burgers ahead of time and place them in the refrigerator until it’s time to cook. 

Cooking Options

Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
2. Place the vegan quinoa burgers in a single layer in the air fryer pan.
3. Cook for 7 minutes.
4. Flip the burgers over and cook for 7 more minutes.

Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Place burger patties in a single layer on the baking sheet a few inches apart.
4. Cook for 30 minutes, flipping the patties over halfway through cooking.

Grill

1. Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.
2. Place the burger patties directly on the grill grate.
3. Close the grill and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Flip the patties over and close the grill again for another 10 minutes.

Skillet/Stovetop

1. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat.
2. Place the burger patties in the pan not touching.
3. Put on the lid of the skillet and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the lid and flip teh burgers.
5. Replace the lid, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

I love burger toppings; the more the merrier. For this vegan quinoa burger, I chose:

• Red Onion
• Pickle Chips
• Tomato
• Grilled Pineapple slices
• Lettuce
• Mustard
• Ketchup

I also served it with a sweet coleslaw recipe.

Additional Suggested Toppings

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Do not over-pulse or blend the quinoa, chickpeas, flour, and aquafaba. Instead, pulse until the ingredients are combined.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients.
• Chill he burger mix for 30 minutes before forming patties.
• Use a burger press to form patties to hold them together.
• Flash-freezing teh burger patties can help keep them patties together for grilling on a gas grill.
• Freeze uncooked burgers for up to three months; place parchment paper or wax paper between frozen patties to avoid sticking together.
• Refrigerated cooked patties can be reheated in the air-fryer, oven, or microwave.

Try this vegan quinoa burger recipe for a unique veggie burger with your favorite toppings!

More Delicious Vegan Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Vegan Quinoa Burgers

Kathy Carmichael

Vegan quinoa burgers are made of quinoa, chickpeas, chickpea flour, and fresh vegetables. Instead of opting for a store-bought veggie burger, make your own with whole foods.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Entrees

Cuisine American

Servings 4 SERVINGS

Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

Other Ingredients (Optional)

Instructions 

• Cook quinoa according to how to Cook Quinoa Directions.

• Saute garlic, diced onions, and peppers until onions are translucent

• Drain the chickpeas, reserve the aquafaba (chickpea fluid), and set aside

• Place the chickpeas in a food processor with a large blade and pulse until the chickpeas are chopped finely. This can also be done by smashing the chickpeas with a fork.

• Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa, chickpea flour, and the aqaufaba.

• Pulse again until add ingredients are combined. DO NOT OVER-PULSE.

• Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add sauteed vegetables and parsley.

• Stir well to combine.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.

• Using a burger press or your hands, form four identical patties.

• Place patties in the air fryer pan in a single layer.

• Cook for 7 minutes, flip the patties, and cook another 7 minutes.

• Remove from the air fryer, serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, or skip the bun and eat with a fork. The choice is yours.

Oven

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• Place patties in a single layer on the pan.

• Cook for 15 minutes; then flip the patties and cook for another 15 minutes.

• Remove from the oven, serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, or skip the bun and eat with a fork.

Grill

• Preheat the grill to 400 degrees.

• Place the burger patties directly on the grill grates.

• Cover the grill and cook the patties for 10 minutes.

• Flip the burgers over and cook for another 10 minutes.

• Remove from the grill and serve wit your favorite toppings.

Skillet

• Heat a nonstick skillet to medium heat.

• Add the patties to the nonstick skillet.

• Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.

• Flip the burgers over and cook for another 10 minutes, covered.

• Remove the burgers from the skillet and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Do not over-pulse or blend the quinoa, chickpeas, flour, and aquafaba. Instead, pulse until the ingredients are combined.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients.
• Chill he burger mix for 30 minutes before forming patties.
• Use a burger press to form patties to hold them together.
• Flash-freezing teh burger patties can help keep them patties together for grilling on a gas grill.
• Freeze uncooked burgers for up to three months; place parchment paper or wax paper between frozen patties to avoid sticking together.
• Refrigerated cooked patties can be reheated in the air-fryer, oven, or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 22mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 6gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1529IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂