How to Make the Best Vegan Burger at Home

Looking for the best vegan burger recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make? Chef Megan Mitchell wants to help you build a better vegan burger. Her plant-based burger recipe is made with mushrooms, chickpeas, oats, and sunflower seeds. A sriracha-spiked sauce adds a little heat, and a food processor does most of the heavy lifting. Invite your friends, because plant-based dinner perfection is here.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or searching for the best plant-based burger you can make, this guide will show you how to make a vegan burger at home—plus tips for toppings, sauces, and gluten-free swaps.

---

How to Make a Vegan Burger (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a vegan burger that tastes great and doesn’t fall apart, follow this simple recipe. (Tip: Cook the ingredients before shaping the patties for deeper flavor.)

Yield: 8 burgers
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the burgers:
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems removed and halved
6 ounces baby spinach
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
1 to 2 tablespoons Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more for your hands
1 ½ (15-ounce) pouches Thrive Market Organic Garbanzo Beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
½ cup Thrive Market Organic Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
¼ cup Thrive Market Organic Sunflower Seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons Thrive Market Organic Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Thrive Market Organic Ground Pepper

For the sauce:
¾ cup vegan mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sriracha

For serving:
8 gluten-free hamburger buns, such as Schär, toasted
Green leaf lettuce
Thinly sliced avocado

Instructions:

Make the burgers:

Combine mushrooms, spinach, green onions, garlic, and rosemary in a food processor; blend until a chunky paste forms, scraping down sides as needed. 

Warm a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in olive oil, then add blitzed vegetable mixture. 

Cook 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened, fragrant, and no liquid remains. 

Scoop mixture back into food processor and add beans, lemon zest and juice, oats, sunflower seeds, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined, about 2 minutes.

Use a portion scoop to divide mixture into 8 balls. Lightly oil your hands and shape balls into patties (they should be about the same size as the buns).

Warm the same medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Working in two batches, cook burgers 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until a golden brown crust forms and they’re heated through. If needed, keep burgers warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve.

Make the sauce:

Combine mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl; stir until combined.

Assemble burgers:

Smear spicy mayo on the bottom of a toasted bun, followed by the hot veggie burger, sliced avocado, and lettuce. Slather the top bun with more spicy mayo. 

Recipe by Megan Mitchell

---

Gluten-Free Plant-Based Burger Recipe Option

This recipe easily doubles as a gluten-free plant based burger recipe with just a few simple tweaks:

• Make sure you use certified gluten-free oats
• Serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps

The original recipe already includes gluten-free oats and buns as an option, making it ideal for multiple dietary needs. 

---

Plant-Based Dinner Recipes with Burgers

Looking to turn your vegan burger recipe into a complete, satisfying meal? These creative ideas for plant-based dinner recipes with burgers go beyond the bun and help you build a balanced plate with flavor, texture, and nutrition.

1. Build a Classic Burger Plate (With a Healthy Twist)

Pair your plant-based burger recipe with crispy baked sweet potato fries for a comforting, diner-style meal—without the heaviness.

• Toss sliced sweet potatoes in olive oil, smoked paprika, and sea salt
• Roast until crispy on the outside and tender inside
• Serve alongside your vegan burger with sriracha mayo sauce for dipping

This combo delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy.

2. Add a Protein-Packed Grain Salad

For a more nutrient-dense option, serve your burger with a vibrant quinoa salad.

• Combine quinoa with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and lemon dressing
• Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein
• Include healthy fats like avocado oil or olive oil

This pairing complements a vegan burger patty recipe by adding fiber, plant protein, and freshness to your plate.

3. Load Up on Roasted Vegetables

Turn your burger into a hearty, veggie-forward dinner by adding a side of roasted vegetables.

• Try broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini
• Season with garlic, olive oil, and herbs
• Roast until caramelized for maximum flavor

Roasted veggies enhance any homemade vegan mushroom and chickpea burgers by adding depth and a slightly smoky finish.

4. Fresh Slaw for Crunch and Balance

A crisp slaw adds brightness and texture to your meal.

• Use shredded cabbage, carrots, and apples
• Toss with sesame ginger dressing or dairy-free creamy dressing
• Add seeds or nuts for crunch

This is one of the easiest vegan burger toppings and assembly tips to repurpose as a side dish.

5. Make a Nourishing Burger Bowl

Skip the bun and turn your burger into a nourishing bowl—perfect if you’re exploring a gluten-free plant based burger recipe.

• Start with a base of greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
• Add grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Top with your sliced vegan burger patty
• Finish with avocado, roasted veggies, and sauce

This is one of the best plant-based burger you can make variations if you want something lighter but still filling.

6. Elevate with Dips, Sauces, and Extras

Round out your meal with flavorful additions:

• Hummus or tahini sauce
• Vegan aioli or extra sriracha mayo
• Pickles or fermented veggies for gut health

These small additions can transform a simple vegan burger recipe into a restaurant-quality experience.

7. Mix and Match for Endless Variety

The beauty of how to make a vegan burger at home is flexibility. You can mix and match sides based on your cravings, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge.

Whether you’re building a classic plate, a vibrant bowl, or a veggie-packed spread, these ideas make it easy to turn your burger into a complete, satisfying plant-based dinner.