Ultimate Copycat Houston's Veggie Burgers
Recreate the magic of Houston's Restaurant with this incredibly flavorful veggie burger recipe. This version combines the hearty textures of black beans and brown rice with a deliciously smoky barbecue and molasses glaze, giving it a rich, savory depth. While the option of adding Monterey Jack cheese brings extra creaminess, it's equally delightful without it for a completely plant-based option. The use of pickled jalapeños adds a zesty kick, while a hint of beet juice gives the patties a striking color and a touch of earthiness. To elevate the experience, ensure you grill your buns in butter for that perfect, crispy finish. This recipe makes four satisfying burgers and is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. I would love to hear any tips you have to improve this recipe as I continue to perfect it—try it out and enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
hickory barbecue sauce
4 tablespoons
molasses
1 tablespoon
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
cooked brown rice
2 cups
oat bran
1 tablespoon
onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
canned beets
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
beet juice
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
pickled jalapeño pepper
1 tablespoon (chopped)
egg white
1 (add more if needed (to bind))
olive oil
2 teaspoons
Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices (optional)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together the hickory barbecue sauce and molasses until well combined. Set aside this rich glaze for later use.
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
3
Add 3 tablespoons of the barbecue mixture, cooked brown rice, oat bran, chopped onions, finely chopped beets, beet juice, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, kosher salt, and chopped jalapeños to the mashed beans. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
4
Incorporate the egg white into the mixture and adjust the quantity if necessary to ensure the mix holds together. Form the mixture into four 6 oz patties.
5
Preheat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet.
6
Cook the patties for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the burgers and brush the tops with the remaining barbecue-molasses mixture.
7
If using, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on each patty and grill for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
While the patties are grilling, spread butter on the insides of your burger buns and grill them until toasted.
9
Once cooked, assemble your burgers with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and mustard on the grilled buns. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source for the Ultimate Copycat Houston's Veggie Burgers?
The primary protein source for these veggie burgers is a combination of black beans and cooked brown rice.
Is this Houston's Veggie Burger recipe vegan?
No, this specific recipe uses egg white as a binder and butter for the buns, but it can be made plant-based by substituting those ingredients.
What ingredients make up the signature glaze?
The glaze is a rich mixture of hickory barbecue sauce and molasses.
How many burgers does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes four satisfying 6 oz veggie patties.
Why are canned beets and beet juice included in the recipe?
Beets and beet juice are used to give the patties a striking, meat-like color and a subtle touch of earthiness.
What is the purpose of adding oat bran to the mixture?
Oat bran acts as a binding agent and helps create a hearty texture for the burger patties.
How should the black beans be prepared?
The black beans should be drained and then thoroughly mashed with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
What kind of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two cups of cooked brown rice.
Are these veggie burgers spicy?
They have a zesty kick due to the inclusion of chopped pickled jalapeño peppers and chili powder.
What type of cheese is suggested for these burgers?
Monterey Jack cheese is suggested for its creaminess, though it is optional.
When should the barbecue-molasses glaze be applied?
The glaze is brushed onto the tops of the burgers after they have been flipped in the skillet.
How long should each side of the patty be cooked?
Each side should be cooked for approximately 2 minutes or until golden brown.
What is used to cook the patties in the pan?
The patties are cooked in two teaspoons of olive oil.
How should the onions be prepared for the mix?
The onions should be finely chopped before being added to the mashed beans.
Which spices are used to flavor the burger mixture?
The mixture is flavored with chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and kosher salt.
What is the recommended pan for frying the burgers?
A cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan is recommended for even heating and searing.
How do you ensure the burger buns are crispy?
Spread butter on the insides of the burger buns and grill them until they are toasted.
What role does the egg white play in this recipe?
The egg white serves as a binder to ensure the burger mix holds together during the forming and cooking process.
What toppings are recommended for assembly?
Recommended toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and mustard.
Can I adjust the binder amount?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting the quantity of egg white if necessary to ensure the mix holds together properly.
How much molasses is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of molasses.
What temperature should the skillet be set to?
The skillet should be preheated over medium heat.
How much barbecue sauce goes into the patty mixture itself?
3 tablespoons of the barbecue-molasses mixture are added directly into the patty mix.
What weight should each burger patty be?
Each patty should be formed to a weight of approximately 6 oz.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is the Monterey Jack cheese melted on the grill?
Yes, if using cheese, it should be placed on the patty and grilled until melted and bubbly.
What is the preparation for the jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
Does the recipe suggest any serving accompaniments?
The burgers are best served immediately on grilled buns with standard burger fixings.
How much ground cumin is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.