Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers

These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are the perfect plant-based meal for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. Packed with protein from red lentils, flavored with garlic, shallots, and cilantro, and served with your favorite toppings, these burgers are a simple yet satisfying option for a weeknight dinner. Whether you choose to bake or pan-fry, these burgers come together in just 30 minutes and are a great meatless alternative for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lentil burgers are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy, affordable, and quick plant-based meal. They are full of flavor, with the perfect balance of savory garlic, earthy shallots, and fresh cilantro. The grated carrots add a slight sweetness and texture, while the tomato paste enhances the flavor profile. Made with just six simple ingredients, these burgers are a breeze to prepare and are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to try something new, these lentil burgers are an easy and tasty option.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried red lentils

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small dice (about ⅓ cup)

• ⅓ cup grated carrots (about 3 small carrots)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• Neutral flavored cooking oil for pan frying (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Soak the lentils in enough water to cover them by about 2 inches for 2 hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly.

3. Add the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, grated carrots, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and holds together, scraping down the sides as needed.

4. Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time and shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.

5. Option 1 – Bake: Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until crispy on both sides.

6. Option 2 – Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet, enough to cover about halfway up the sides of the patties. Fry the patties for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. (You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7. Serve the lentil patties on buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy with a side salad or oven-roasted potatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover lentil burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or pan-fry them again to make them crispy.

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils?

While red lentils are ideal for this recipe due to their soft texture, you can use green or brown lentils as a substitute. Just be aware that they may require a slightly longer cooking time and may not blend as smoothly in the food processor.

Can I make these lentil burgers gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

How can I make the lentil burgers spicier?

To add some heat to your lentil burgers, you can include chopped jalapeños or add cayenne pepper to the mixture. You could also serve them with spicy condiments or hot sauce.

Can I freeze the lentil burger patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Simply shape them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, you can either bake or pan-fry them directly from frozen.

Can I use a different herb instead of cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley, basil, or thyme to add a different flavor to your lentil burgers.

How do I know when the lentil burgers are done?

The lentil burgers should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a firm texture when you press on them. If you’re baking them, they will also firm up as they cool.

Can I add cheese to these lentil burgers?

Yes, you can add vegan cheese on top of the burgers after frying or baking them for a melty, gooey addition. Just place it on top of the patties in the last few minutes of cooking.

What can I serve these lentil burgers with?

These burgers go great with a variety of sides! Serve them with oven-roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even your favorite dipping sauces like tahini or hummus.

Can I bake the lentil burgers without flipping them?

Flipping the burgers ensures they get crispy on both sides. However, if you prefer to bake them without flipping, they will still cook through, but they might not be as crispy. Consider broiling them for a minute or two at the end for extra crispiness.

Can I make the lentil burger mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lentil mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply shape the patties and cook as directed.

Conclusion

These Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal option that’s perfect for weeknights. Packed with plant-based protein and a satisfying texture, they’re a delicious alternative to traditional meat burgers. Whether you choose to bake or pan-fry, these lentil burgers are sure to please everyone, from vegans to meat-eaters alike. Try them today for a quick, nutritious meal that’s both filling and full of flavor!