Oct 253 min read

The Ultimate Plant-Based Burger Recipe (Plus How They Grow It in a Lab!)

Craving a juicy, flavorful burger that’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds? 🌍🍔 Plant-based burgers are taking over the grill, offering delicious, eco-friendly options that satisfy cravings without sacrificing flavor! From homemade recipes to lab-grown innovations, plant-based burgers are changing the way we think about food—and the planet thanks us for it. Dive into the world of plant-based patties and discover how this tasty trend is making a big impact!

A lady wearing yellow pointing to a plant based platter of food. — Over the years plant based burgers have become very tasty.

The Ultimate Plant-Based Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
Olive oil for frying
Burger buns and your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc.)

Instructions:

Mash the black beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth, leaving a few whole for texture.
Mix in the other ingredients: Add the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Shape the patties: Form the mixture into 4-5 burger patties. If it's too wet, add more breadcrumbs to bind it.
Cook the burgers: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each burger for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
Assemble: Toast your buns and add your favorite toppings. Stack your burger and enjoy that delicious, plant-based goodness!

Optional Fun Toppings:

Guacamole or smashed avocado
Vegan cheese slices
Pickled onions
Barbecue sauce or vegan mayo

Fun Fact: Did you know that plant-based burgers have a smaller carbon footprint than beef burgers by up to 90%? 😱 Not only are they delicious, but swapping one beef burger for a plant-based one can save approximately 300 liters of water—that’s about the same as taking a 10-minute shower! 🚿🍔 Save the planet, one bite at a time! 🌍

How They Grow Plant-Based Burgers in a Lab! 🧪🍔

Ever wondered how plant-based burgers like the ones from Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat are grown in a lab? It’s a fascinating mix of food science and plant proteins! Here’s a fun breakdown of how these delicious meat alternatives are created:

Step 1: Find the Perfect Plant Proteins

Scientists start by finding plants rich in proteins, such as peas, soy, or rice. These are chosen for their ability to mimic the texture and nutritional value of meat. For example, pea protein is a key ingredient in many plant-based burgers.

Step 2: Replicate the Meat Experience

Here’s where the lab magic happens! To replicate the taste and texture of real meat, food scientists work on:

Texture: Plant proteins are processed through a method called extrusion, which shapes them into strands that mimic the fibrous texture of meat.
Flavor: This involves adding ingredients like hemes (molecules that carry the "meaty" flavor, even found in plants!) and natural flavors to give the burger its savory taste.
Color: Beet juice or other natural extracts are added to give the burger that signature “bleeding” effect when it cooks.

Step 3: Combine and Form the Patty

Once the plant proteins are flavored and textured, they’re combined with fats (like coconut or sunflower oil) to give that juicy sizzle when you cook it. These ingredients are mixed into a burger patty form, just like a real meat burger!

Step 4: Test and Tweak

Before these burgers hit the shelves, scientists test for flavor, texture, and cooking behavior. They make sure the burger browns, sizzles, and tastes just like the real thing—without the need for animals.