How to Make the Perfect Quinoa Burger: Tips and Tricks

I’ve been working on a quinoa burger recipe for a while now believe it or not. I was first introduced to the idea of Quinoa burgers when ordering the Veggie burger at a burger restaurant called Burger Fi. It was from there that fell in love with the Quinoa burger. I had no idea how to make it then but ever since a few years ago I’ve tried to figure out my own. Well, here is the result of multiple attempts at perfecting the Quinoa burger!

Why make a Quinoa Burger? Well, first off, it’s always great to have a vegetarian burger option for your friends when you have a cook-out. But, even if you are not a vegetarian, these are amazing burgers! And, this is a nice, meat free and healthy alternative to a burger while still being delicious!

 

Why You’ll Love the Perfect Quinoa Burger

Why Quinoa? Well, did you know Quinoa is a superfood? It is, in actuality, not a grain but a seed that is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods and is also gluten free. The beauty of Quinoa is that it is actually a plant based complete protein- this means it has all 20 amino acids, and has a great protein to carbohydrate ratio, making up over 60% of the entire grain, boasting an incredibly high amount of protein for a plant based food!

Ingredients For the Perfect Quinoa Burger:

• 2 cups of cooked Quinoa

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs (use Gluten free to keep these burgers Gluten free)

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup (fresh) grated parmesan cheese

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp smoked garlic powder

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp sea salt

 

How to Make the Perfect Quinoa Burger

Beat eggs before adding to the rest of the ingredients. Combine all ingredients well and form into very tight balls, making sure to squeeze each Quinoa burger tightly to bind the ingredients together.

Prepare your grill for medium direct heat and add your cast iron skillet or griddle on direct heat. Add butter to the hot skillet or griddle. Place the Quinoa burger on the skillet or flat top and slightly flatten, helping the flatten and sear the edge of the burger. After about 10 minutes or once the burger has formed a nice crust on one side, flip to the other side. If adding cheese, do it now. Cook until this side has formed a slight crust.

Serve with your favorite burger toppings. I like to serve these on brioche buns with secrete sauce (mayo, mustard, ketchup mix), sliced tomato and lots of pickles!

 

Substitutions for the Perfect Quinoa Burger

If you’re looking for substitutions for quinoa burgers, there are several options you can try:

1. Black bean burgers: Made with mashed black beans, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, black bean burgers are a delicious and hearty vegetarian alternative to quinoa burgers.
2. Lentil burgers: Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber and can be used to make flavorful and satisfying veggie burgers. You can use cooked lentils as a base and add seasonings, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients to make patties.
3. Chickpea burgers: Chickpeas are another versatile legume that can be used to make tasty veggie burgers. Mash them up and add spices, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients to make patties.
4. Portobello mushroom burgers: Grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms can make a flavorful and meaty vegetarian burger. You can also add cheese, avocado, and other toppings to enhance the flavor.
5. Tofu burgers: Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make vegetarian burgers. It has a mild flavor and can be seasoned with your favorite spices and herbs.
6. Sweet potato burgers: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can be used to make veggie burgers. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with breadcrumbs, spices, and other ingredients to make patties.

Remember to cook these substitutes properly and use proper food safety practices. Enjoy!

 

The Perfect Quinoa Burger FAQ

Q: What is a quinoa burger?

A: A quinoa burger is a vegetarian burger patty made with cooked quinoa, vegetables, and other ingredients that are formed into patties and then grilled, baked, or fried.

Q: What are the benefits of quinoa burgers?

A: Quinoa burgers are a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. They are also a tasty and healthy alternative to meat burgers for vegetarians and those looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Q: How do I make a quinoa burger?

A: To make a quinoa burger, cook quinoa according to package directions and mix it with mashed beans, breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings. Form the mixture into patties and cook them on a grill, in a pan, or in the oven.

Q: How do I keep my quinoa burgers from falling apart?

A: Adding binding ingredients like egg, flour, or breadcrumbs to the quinoa mixture can help hold the patties together. Chilling the mixture before forming into patties can also help.

Q: Can I freeze quinoa burgers?

A: Yes, you can freeze quinoa burgers. To freeze, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Q: What are some toppings for quinoa burgers?

A: You can top quinoa burgers with traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese. Other toppings that go well with quinoa burgers include avocado, salsa, hummus, and tzatziki sauce.

Q: Can I make quinoa burgers gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make quinoa burgers gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats and making sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

In addition to being high in protein and relatively low in carbs, it is loaded in antioxidants (yay!), as well as fiber, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and folate. So, you can feel extra good about eating these Quinoa burgers!

*Nutritional Info found via Dr Axe.com

And what takes these burgers to the NEXT LEVEL???!! Kingsford Smoke Flavor! That’s right, think of Smoke as the umami ingredient in these burgers, getting the unmistakable flavor of being cooked over Kingsford Charcoal.

Because of the delicate nature of Quinoa burgers, I recommend cooking these in a well buttered cast iron skillet or a griddle placed on the grill, such as using a grill grate flipped over to its flat side. Getting a sealed crust on one side before flipping these over is the key to making these work. By sealing the first side with a nice crust, it keeps the quinoa burger together before you flip over so it doesn’t break apart.

And before you try these, if you need a good chuckle, but also tips on how to make these Quinoa burgers, this video my 5 year old filmed of me making these burgers is informative and also hilarious!

 

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A post shared by “Grill Girl™️”- Robyn Lindars (@grillgirlrobyn)

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Looking for another Vegetarian Burger Recipe idea? Check out my Black Bean Mojo Burger!!