Crispy BBQ Quinoa Burgers

Would you believe me if I told you that this vegetarian burger was so delicious and filling that I didn’t even miss the meat?

Really!  I wasn’t even tempted to put bacon on it!

There are so many fantastic flavors at play here.

It’s really the BBQ flavors (in the burger itself and the sauce), the caramelized onions, and the fried egg that really make this burger.

It makes a rather large batch of burgers and since Hubs went out of town the day after I made these, I ate the rest as leftovers throughout the next few days.  Yep, by myself.  And it was amazing!

Crispy BBQ Quinoa Burgers

Adapted from Half Baked Harvest

2 cup cooked quinoa (about ½ cup uncooked)

½ small zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)

1 large carrot, grated (about 1 cup)

½ cup panko bread crumbs

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained & rinsed

1 egg

2 cloves garlic

Salt & pepper

1 tsp BBQ seasoning (recipe below)

¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tbsp olive oil

Burger buns (such as Homeade Asiago Buns or Cheese & Herb Buns)

Swiss cheese slices

BBQ Sauce

Caramelized onions (1 tbsp butter + 1 large onion, cooked on low until amber)

Fried eggs

Place the quinoa, zucchini, carrot, and panko in a large bowl.

Place the beans, egg, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor.  Process until smooth, adding 1 teaspoon water to thin, if necessary.

Add the bean mixture to the quinoa mixture, along with the BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper.  Mix until well combined.  Add the shredded cheddar and stir to combine.

Portion the mixture into 7-8 patties; refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the patties.  Cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and crispy.  Gently flip and cook for another 5 minutes, adding the cheese for the last 2 minutes to melt.

Serve the burgers on an asiago bun or bagel topped with BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, and a fried egg.  Serve with Cripsy Oven Baked Fries.

BBQ Seasoning Mix

Recipe from How Sweet It Is

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp onion powder

½ tbsp brown sugar

½ tbsp garlic salt

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp salt

Mix together all ingredients.  Store in a spice jar or other airtight container.