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Bobby Flay's Veggie Burger

Full disclosure: I have never met a veggie burger that I like...never! Until now, that is. A few months ago, I had to create a veggie burger, on the fly, for a veggie burger battle on Beat Bobby Flay. Don't ask me what made me grab mushrooms, quinoa and chickpeas off the pantry shelves, but I am glad that I did. It is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This burger is delicious. It's not a hamburger and never will be, but for those who no longer eat meat, I think it is a great alternative.
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Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine south east asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 3486.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Saute Pan For cooking mushrooms and final burger preparation.
  • 1 Deep-Fry Thermometer Crucial for maintaining precise oil temperature.
  • 1 Ring Mold For consistent burger shape and size.
  • 2 Shallow Bowls For egg wash and quinoa flour dredging.
  • 1 Fish Spatula Ideal for delicate handling of veggie patties.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil plus more for frying
  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms stemmed, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Bobby's BBQ Sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup semi-loosely packed Quinoa recipe follows
  • 1/2 cup semi-loosely packed Chickpea Puree recipe follows
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 large eggs for egg wash, seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa flour seasoned with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 thin slices smoked Gouda
  • 4 soft sesame seed buns lightly toasted
  • Green Onion-Mustard Slaw recipe follows
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup red quinoa
  • One 15.5-ounce can chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 head red cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1/4 head white cabbage thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions green and pale green parts, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium red onion coarsely grated
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saute pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the mushrooms and let sit for at least 3 minutes without touching. Stir and let sit again until mushrooms begin to brown and water begins to evaporate. Cook until golden brown and dry. Season with salt and pepper. Add the barbecue sauce and a splash of water and cook until the mushrooms are glazed, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.
  • 2. Combine the mushrooms, Quinoa and Chickpea Puree in a bowl. Mix in the cilantro. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. (Remember that the quinoa was seasoned with salt, the mushrooms were seasoned with salt and pepper and the egg wash and quinoa flour will be seasoned). Cover the mixture and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
  • 3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a medium high-sided saute pan over high heat until it registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
  • 4. Form the burgers (using a ring mold) into 4 burgers (I got 4 burgers that were each about 4 1/8 ounces).
  • 5. Whisk together the eggs in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. Put the quinoa flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  • 6. Using a fish spatula, gently put a patty into the egg wash; remove and let the excess drip off. Dredge the patty in the flour and tap off the excess. Repeat with the remaining patties.
  • 7. Fry the patties until golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
  • 8. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat until it shimmers. Add the patties and top each with a slice of cheese. Remove from the heat and slowly add 1/4 cup of water to the pan (careful not to hit the burger). Cover, return to the heat and count to 10. Remove the lid, the cheese will be melted.
  • 9. Place the burgers on the bottoms of the buns, top with a large dollop of Green Onion-Mustard Slaw and drizzle with some of the reserved mustard dressing.

Notes

Achieving the right texture for the mushrooms is paramount; ensure they are deeply browned and dry before adding sauce to prevent a soggy burger base. Chilling the mixture for at least 2 hours is critical for the burgers to hold their shape during cooking. Maintain the oil temperature at precisely 350°F for perfect golden-brown crispness without burning. For the cheese, the 'water-and-cover' method creates a steamy environment, ensuring a beautifully melted top without overcooking the patty. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning incrementally as different components are pre-seasoned.