Vegan Barley Burgers: A Filling, Healthy, and Tasty Plant-Based Snack
A versatile and nutrient-dense grain, barley is a great foundation for substantial and satisfying vegan burgers. Barley, which is rich in fibre, protein, and vital minerals, has a chewy texture that works well with veggie burgers. Barley makes a filling burger that will keep you feeling full and nourished when paired with other healthful ingredients like beans, veggies, and spices.
We’ll walk you through the process of creating Vegan Barley Burgers in this blog, which are not only wonderfully tasty but also healthful. These burgers are sure to become a family favourite, regardless of whether you’re an experienced vegan or simply attempting to increase your intake of plant-based foods. They are a very versatile meal that can be prepared using any cooking method you choose, including grilling, pan-frying, and even baking.
Why Make Vegan Burgers with Barley?
One of the healthiest whole grains you can include in your meals is barley. It has a lot of fibre, which aids in digestion and prolongs feelings of fullness. Additionally, barley is a great source of plant-based protein, which is necessary for both muscle growth and repair. Barley is also a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins.
Barley’s neutral flavour lets other flavours, such as spices, herbs, and vegetables, take centre stage in vegan burgers while also giving them a substantial and filling texture. These barley burgers are inexpensive, simple to prepare, and can be tailored to your tastes. You can change the ingredients to create the burger of your dreams, regardless of whether you like your food smokey, spicy, or herbaceous.
Vegan Barley Burger Ingredients:
1 cup pearl barley (boiled and drained) is needed for the barley burger patty.
1 can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained black beans (or use any beans you like)
1 small onion, cut finely – 2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup shredded carrot (for extra nutrition and moisture)
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (replaces eggs)
Tamari or two tablespoons soy sauce (for additional umami flavour)
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (provides a savoury, cheesy taste)
For a smokey taste, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
To add a little earthiness, you can optionally add 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Olive oil for frying and lubrication
Use whole grain or gluten-free buns if you like. Toppings: Vegan mayo, mustard, or your chosen vegan condiments. Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, avocado slices, pickles, or any other desired vegetables.
How to Prepare Barley Burgers Without Meat:
The first step is to cook the barley. To begin, cook the pearl barley. Before cooking the barley as directed on the package, rinse it in cold water. This usually entails adding 1 cup of barley to 3 cups of boiling water or vegetable broth, then cooking it covered for 30 to 40 minutes until it is soft. After cooking, remove any extra liquid and let the barley cool.
Step 2: Get the beans and vegetables ready
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat while the barley cooks. After adding the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook for approximately five minutes, or until they are soft and transparent. After adding the grated carrot, sauté it for a further two to three minutes, or until it starts to soften.
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the black beans in a mixing dish, preserving some lumps for texture. This will give the patties a satisfying bite while also helping them bond together.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
After the cooked barley has cooled a little, mix it with the mashed beans, soy sauce, ground flaxseed, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, ground cumin, breadcrumbs, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Mix everything until it’s all properly blended. To help the mixture firm up, add a tablespoon of flour or extra breadcrumbs if it feels too loose or moist. While still being sufficiently firm to form patties without crumbling, the mixture should be wet.
Form the patties in step four.
When the mixture is done, form it into 4-6 equal-sized patties using your hands. To avoid sticking, lightly moisten your hands or sprinkle them with flour if the mixture is too sticky.
Cook the Patties in Step Five
There are three ways to cook the patties:
- Pan-fry: In a skillet, heat a little amount of olive oil over medium heat. Gently add the patties and heat until golden brown and crispy, 4–5 minutes per side.
Turn the heat up to medium on your grill or grill pan. Cook the patties for approximately 4–5 minutes on each side after lightly oiling the grill grates.
Bake: Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. Put the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they are firm and golden brown.
Step 6: Put the Vegan Barley Burger Together
It’s time to put your burgers together after your patties are done cooking! For added taste and texture, lightly toast the burger buns. Top the buns with your preferred vegan condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Top with a barley patty, tomato slices, avocado, pickles, or any other vegetables you choose, and fresh lettuce. A slice of vegan cheese can also be added for an additional flavour boost.
The Greatest Vegan Barley Burgers: A Guide
One of the best things about these barley burgers is that they are quite customisable. For extra taste, you can include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. For a new twist, try using herbs like cilantro, thyme, or oregano.
- Patties Freezing: These patties freeze rather well. Once formed, the uncooked patties can be frozen on a baking sheet and then stored for up to three months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Simply defrost them before cooking, then proceed as usual to pan-fry, bake, or grill them.
Binding the Mixture: To make your patty mixture stick together, add extra oats or breadcrumbs if it feels too loose. To aid in binding the ingredients, you can also incorporate ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
- Adding Spice Feel free to add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mixture if you like a little heat. The completed burger will also have a wonderful spicy kick if you drizzle it with hot sauce.
Reasons to Enjoy These Plant-Based Barley Burgers
In addition to being nutrient-dense, these vegan barley burgers provide a filling, substantial dinner that even non-vegans will like. The black beans contribute fibre and protein, while the barley gives it a chewy, robust texture. The blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices gives these patties a savoury, well-balanced flavour that will make you want more. They are also quite adaptable; you may have them as a protein-rich wrap filler, on a baguette, or in a salad.
These vegan barley burgers are ideal for a quick weekday supper, meal prep, or backyard barbecue, and they will quickly become a mainstay in your collection of plant-based recipes. These burgers will add taste and nutrition to your table, whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them at a family get-together.
Conclusion
A tasty and healthy plant-based substitute for conventional beef burgers are vegan barley burgers. Rich in nutritious grains, beans, and vegetables, they have a filling, substantial texture and taste that will appeal to both vegans and non-vegans. You can make a satisfying, tasty burger that goes well with any meal using a few basic ingredients and some inventive flavour. Enjoy the health advantages of a homemade, nutritious vegetable burger by giving this dish a try!
