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Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers

Pulled BBQ Aubergine & Black Bean Burgers offer a smoky, savory, and hearty plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. Combining slow-roasted shredded aubergine with protein-rich black beans and infused with rich BBQ flavors, these burgers deliver a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, they are simple to make and adaptable to your own flavor preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large aubergines (eggplants)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or spicy variety)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or oats (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and frying)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast and Pull the Aubergine: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Roast whole aubergines on a baking tray until the skin blisters and the flesh is very soft, about 40-50 minutes. Let them cool, then peel off the skin and shred the flesh with forks to create pulled strands that resemble shredded meat.
  2. Prepare the Black Beans: Drain and rinse the black beans. Mash them slightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture for creaminess and bite.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Mix: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the pulled aubergine, mashed black beans, sautéed onion and garlic, BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, chopped fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Form the Patties: Shape the mixture into burger-sized patties, pressing firmly so they hold together. For firmer patties, chill them for 15-30 minutes in the fridge before cooking.
  5. Cook the Burgers: Heat remaining olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and heated through. Alternatively, grill or bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, to achieve a different texture and char.

Notes

  • Roast aubergine whole to retain moisture and enhance smoky flavor.
  • Do not over-mash black beans; leaving chunks adds texture.
  • Add BBQ sauce gradually and adjust to your desired sweetness and tanginess.
  • Chilling patties before cooking helps them firm up and prevents crumbling.
  • Use a non-stick pan or well-oiled grill to prevent sticking and develop a nice crust.

Nutrition

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