
Craving a smoky, crispy, and ultra-juicy burger without the meat? This Vegan Smash Burger delivers all the classic burger flavors with a crispy-edged, tender patty loaded with umami goodness. The key? A perfectly seasoned plant-based patty, a hot griddle, and a quick smash for that signature crust! Whether you're vegan or just looking for a delicious plant-based alternative, this recipe is a must-try.
This easy, foolproof recipe requires zero fancy techniques, so you don’t have to be a pro to make it. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a burger that rivals any restaurant’s, but 100% plant-based.
Let’s get smashing! 🍔🔥
Ingredients
For the Patties:
1 cup cooked black beans, drained and mashed
½ cup vital wheat gluten (for structure & chewiness)
¼ cup finely chopped mushrooms (for umami flavor)
¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy flavor)
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For Assembling the Burger:
2 soft vegan burger buns
2 tbsp vegan butter (for toasting buns)
2 slices of vegan cheese (cheddar-style or your favorite)
¼ cup shredded lettuce
2 slices of tomato
4 slices of pickles
2 tbsp vegan burger sauce (recipe below)
For the Vegan Burger Sauce:
¼ cup vegan mayo
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp finely chopped pickles
Nutrition Information (Per Burger)
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 7g
Allergy Information
Dairy-Free: Yes
Nut-Free: Yes
Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Gluten-Free: Substitute vital wheat gluten & breadcrumbs with oat flour (texture will be softer)
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Smash Burger
Don’t overmix the patty dough! Over-kneading can make it too dense. A little kneading helps create the perfect texture.
Use a very hot pan. A high-heat skillet gives you that crispy, restaurant-quality sear.
Smash with force. The thinner you smash, the crispier the edges!
Melt the cheese perfectly. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds after flipping to help the cheese melt beautifully.
Tasty Variations
Spicy Chipotle Smash Burger: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder to the patty mixture and top with jalapeños.
Garlic Butter Smash Burger: Spread garlic-infused vegan butter on the buns before toasting.
California Smash Burger: Add avocado slices and vegan ranch dressing for a creamy twist.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Make Ahead: Shape the patties and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 1 month. When ready, cook directly from frozen (add 2 extra minutes to cook time).
Reheating: Warm cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Time of Preparing:
Servings: 2 burgers
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, combine mashed black beans, vital wheat gluten, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and all spices.
Mix well, then knead for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is firm but still pliable.
Divide the mixture into two equal balls.
Step 2: Smash & Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Place a ball of the burger mixture onto the hot pan.
Using a flat spatula or a burger press, smash the patty down as thin as possible (about ½-inch thick). Hold for 10 seconds to ensure it stays flat.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip. Place a slice of vegan cheese on top and cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and browned.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
While the patties cook, spread vegan butter on the inside of each burger bun.
Toast them in the skillet until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Smash Burger
Spread vegan burger sauce on both sides of the toasted buns.
Add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
Place the crispy, cheesy burger patty on top.
Cover with the top bun and press gently.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve immediately with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a side of your choice. Get ready for the juiciest, crispiest vegan burger experience!

🔥 Who said plant-based burgers can’t be amazing? This Vegan Smash Burger is proof that you don’t need meat for a crispy, juicy, and ridiculously delicious burger experience! Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.
🍔 Give it a shot and share your creations using #KitchenPal! We can’t wait to see your burger masterpieces!
Hungry for more effortless and flavor-packed vegan dishes? Explore our must-try favorites, including Vegan Basque Cheesecake, Jackfruit Birria Tacos, Avocado Chocolate Mousse, Biscoff Vegan Tiramisu, Watermelon Tuna Poke Bowl, Vegan Mochi Ice Cream, Vegan Katsu Curry, Vegan Butter Chicken, and Dark Chocolate & Tahini Brownies.
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