The Ultimate Vegan Mushroom Lentil Walnut Burgers (That Make Meat Burgers Look Basic!) Recipe
These Ultimate Vegan Mushroom Lentil Walnut Burgers deliver a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious alternative to traditional meat burgers. Made with green lentils, mushrooms, and chopped walnuts, they offer a perfect balance of texture and umami-packed taste. Enhanced with smoked paprika, cumin, and soy sauce, these burgers create a satisfying golden crust when pan-fried, making them ideal for a delicious plant-based meal that even meat lovers will appreciate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 burger patties 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked green lentils (cook ahead for quick assembly)
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (cremini or baby bellas for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (chop yourself for freshest flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (homemade or store-bought both work)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh beats pre-minced every time)
Seasonings & Condiments
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (crucial umami boost)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (secret weapon for barbecue flavor)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (adds warming earthiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fat
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect golden crust)
Instructions
- Process the base: In a food processor, pulse cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, and walnuts until slightly chunky but well combined. Be careful not to over-process—you want to maintain some texture for the best bite.
- Mix the magic: Transfer the processed mixture to a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined, ensuring all ingredients meld well.
- Let it rest: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb moisture, which improves binding and texture for the patties.
- Form perfect patties: Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 burger patties. They should hold together firmly but not be overly dense. If the mixture feels too wet or crumbly, adjust moisture with additional breadcrumbs or a splash of broth as needed.
- Get that golden crust: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and develop a lovely crust.
- Don’t move too much: Cook the patties undisturbed on each side to allow for proper crust formation. Patience is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- Serve with pride: Place the cooked patties on your favorite buns and add all your preferred toppings. Enjoy these hearty vegan burgers as a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Notes
- You can prepare the lentils in advance and store them in the fridge to speed up the assembly process.
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little vegetable broth; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Store leftover patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Perfect for meal prep or backyard cookouts with family and friends.
Keywords: vegan burgers, mushroom lentil burgers, walnut burgers, plant-based burgers, vegan main dish
