Quinoa Burgers

Name: Quinoa Burgers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1 egg; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup panko crumbs; 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 burger buns; Toppings: lettuce, onion, tomato, cilantro sauce, etc.

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson July 26, 2024 This post may contain affiliate links.

These tasty quinoa burgers are easy to make, made with just a few basic pantry staples. They have a hearty texture and a great flavor!

There are lots of meatless burgers on the market, and while some of them are a pretty good dupe for meat, I prefer the kind that isn’t pretending to be anything else. I like a veggie burger that is packed with wholesome ingredients. My black bean burgers are a favorite, and it made me want to try my hand at other veggie burgers. This quinoa burger is easy to make, packed with flavor, and filling enough to satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike!

Why I Love This Recipe

Most veggie burgers require a food processor but these can be mixed in a bowl, which means there’s one less appliance to wash! I also like that you only need a few simple ingredients that I generally have on hand. They only take about 15 minutes to make so this veggie burger recipe is an easy one, but it still has a lot of flavor. This is also a great way to use leftover quinoa. You don’t have to eat these burgers on a bun, either. Try it on top of a salad or in a wrap!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Quinoa– You can cook the quinoa on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. It takes about 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa to make one cup of cooked quinoa. I cook my quinoa in vegetable broth for extra flavor.
Egg– The egg helps bind the burgers together so they don’t fall apart when cooking.
Cheddar cheese– Cheese also acts as a binding agent while adding flavor to the burgers. I like using sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
Panko crumbs– These build the texture of the veggie burgers, so they’re hearty and filling.
Chipotle peppers– Chopped chipotle peppers add a spicy kick. These burgers aren’t too spicy, but if you’re sensitive to heat, you can leave out these peppers.
Spices– Cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt help season these vegetarian burgers.
Buns & Toppings– I like using a brioche bun but a regular hamburger bun or whole wheat burger buns works great, too. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings! I like adding my cilantro sauce on top.

What’s the difference between panko crumbs and bread crumbs?

Panko crumbs are made from white bread with the crusts removed. They’re processed into flakes and then dried. Panko crumbs tend to absorb oil more than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crunchier crumb. You can substitute breadcrumbs if that’s all you have, but panko crumbs will give you the best texture.