Easy Black Bean Burger – In-N-Out Style
A juicy, flavorful, and firm-textured black bean burger inspired by the iconic In-N-Out “Animal-Style” experience minus the meat and with all the vegan goodness. This recipe nails the perfect burger bite: not mushy, packed with smoky flavor, and paired with a tangy, creamy animal-style sauce.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Small mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 400 g black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cooked white rice (leftover works great)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped or grated and sautéed)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or salt to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (or ketchup)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra firmness)
- 1-2 tbsp oil (for frying)
For the “Animal-Style” Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (vegan if needed)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped sweet pickles)
- 1 tsp vinegar or pickle juice
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Extras for Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices vegan cheddar cheese (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Caramelized onions
- Pickles
Instructions
- Mash and Mix- Pat the black beans dry. In a large bowl, mash beans and rice together until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky.- Add the sautéed onion, soy sauce, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, pepper, and breadcrumbs (if using).- Mix until the mixture holds together. If too wet, add a spoonful of flour or more rice.
- Shape and Chill- Form the mixture into 4 patties. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Patties- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.- Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy and browned.- If using cheese, place a slice on each patty after flipping, add a few drops of water to the pan, and cover to melt.
- Make the Sauce- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Assemble the Burgers- Toast burger buns. Spread sauce on both halves of the buns.- Layer lettuce, tomato, patty with cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles.- Add extra sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 504kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 13gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 915mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 411IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 4mg