Savory Quinoa Power Burgers
These Savory Quinoa Power Burgers are a nutritious twist on the classic veggie burger, featuring a hearty combination of red quinoa, mushrooms, and pecans for added texture and flavor. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, they provide a satisfying and protein-packed meal that even non-vegans will love. Versatile and easy to prepare, these burgers can be cooked in batches and stored for later, making them an ideal option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Whether you're grilling them up for a summer barbecue or enjoying them as a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers are sure to be a hit with friends, family, and neighbors alike! For a scrumptious vegan option, simply omit the egg and adjust the binding agents.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1 cup (None)
Red Quinoa
1/2 cup (Rinsed)
Oil
1 tablespoon (Of your choice for sautéing)
Onion
1 cup (Diced)
Mushrooms
2 cups (Finely chopped)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced)
Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Egg
1 (Beaten (optional for vegan version))
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons (None)
Whole Pecans
1/2 cup (Toasted and finely chopped)
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Gluten-Free Fat-Free Cheddar Cheese
2/3 cup (Optional)
Gluten-Free Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats
1/3 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and red quinoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow to sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
2
To toast the pecans, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring once until fragrant and lightly golden.
3
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the finely chopped mushrooms, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are tender, approximately 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg (if using). Add the cooled quinoa, sautéed mushroom mixture, chopped pecans, gluten-free soy sauce, cheese (if using), and rolled oats. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
5
Using a ½ cup measure, scoop out the mixture and form into balls. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet and gently flatten them to your desired thickness, about ¾-inch thick.
6
Bake the burger patties in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy exterior.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Quinoa Power Burgers?
They are a nutritious veggie burger alternative made with red quinoa, mushrooms, and pecans, seasoned with Italian herbs.
What type of quinoa is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for red quinoa, which provides a hearty texture.
How do I prepare the quinoa?
Combine 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa with 1 cup water, boil, simmer for 15 minutes, then let sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing.
How long should I toast the pecans?
Toast the pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes until fragrant.
Can I make these burgers vegan?
Yes, simply omit the egg and the optional cheese to make them fully vegan.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free oats, and cornstarch, making them suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What is the best way to chop the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be finely chopped to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients and help the burgers hold their shape.
How long do I sauté the onions and mushrooms?
Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms and seasonings and cook for another 5 minutes.
What can I use as a binder if I omit the egg?
The recipe uses cornstarch and rolled oats as binders, which can be adjusted if the egg is omitted.
How thick should the burger patties be?
The patties should be flattened to about 3/4-inch thickness on a greased baking sheet.
What is the baking temperature for the burgers?
Bake the burgers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the patties need to bake?
They should bake for a total of 30 minutes.
Do I need to flip the burgers while baking?
Yes, flip the patties halfway through the 30-minute baking time to ensure a crispy exterior on both sides.
Can these burgers be grilled?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be grilled for a summer barbecue or baked for a quick meal.
Are Savory Quinoa Power Burgers good for meal prep?
Absolutely, they can be cooked in batches and stored for later use, making them ideal for meal planning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 15 ingredients including seasonings and optional items.
What seasonings are used in these burgers?
Flavor is added using Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and gluten-free soy sauce.
What role do pecans play in the recipe?
Toasted pecans add a unique texture and flavor that complements the quinoa and mushrooms.
Is cheese required for this recipe?
No, the gluten-free fat-free cheddar cheese is an optional ingredient.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for gluten-free quick-cooking rolled oats.
Can I use white quinoa instead?
While red quinoa is recommended for its texture, white quinoa can be used, though the final consistency may be slightly softer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the red quinoa in a medium saucepan with water.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the red quinoa should be rinsed before cooking.
What size scoop should I use for the patties?
Using a 1/2 cup measure helps create uniform-sized burger balls before flattening.
Are these burgers high in protein?
Yes, the combination of quinoa, pecans, and mushrooms provides a satisfying, protein-packed plant-based meal.
What oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use one tablespoon of any oil of your choice for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Yes, veggie burgers like these typically freeze well once baked; store them with parchment paper between patties.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, the 1/2 cup measure for patties typically yields 4 to 6 burgers.
How do I ensure the burgers don't fall apart?
Ensure the quinoa and sautéed mixture have cooled slightly before mixing with the oats, cornstarch, and egg binder.