Best Veggie Burger

Best Veggie Burger

from loveandlemons.com
140 min
8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
  • 2 shallots, chopped (⅔ cup)
  • 16 ounces mushrooms, mix of shiitake + portobello, stemmed and diced
  • 2 tablespoons tamari
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mirin, or ½ teaspoon maple syrup
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha, more if desired
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain brown rice, freshly cooked so that it’s sticky*
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs, divided
  • Vegan Worcestershire sauce, for brushing
  • Nonstick cooking spray, for grilling
  • Hamburger buns & desired burger fixings
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until soft, 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and a generous pinch of salt, and sauté until soft and browned, 6 to 9 minutes, turning down the heat slightly, as needed.

  2. 2

    Stir in the tamari, vinegar, and mirin. Stir, reduce the heat, then add the garlic, smoked paprika, and sriracha. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly.

  3. 3

    In a food processor, combine the sautéed mushrooms, walnuts, flaxseed, brown rice, and ½ cup of the panko. Pulse until just combined. The mixture should hold together when pinched, but it should still have some texture.

  4. 4

    Transfer to a large bowl and fold in the remaining panko.

  5. 5

    Form into 8 patties, place them on a large plate and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

  6. 6

    If you're grilling the patties, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush the patties with olive oil and spray the grill with cooking spray. Place the patties on the grill and use a spatula to press down lightly. Grill for 7 minutes on the first side, flip, and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on the second side, or until well-charred and cooked through.

  7. 7

    Alternately, cook the patties on the stove. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Coat the bottom of the skillet with oil and cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until well-charred and cooked through.

  8. 8

    Remove from the heat, brush with Worcestershire sauce, and serve with desired fixings.