Meatless Mushroom Burgers
These flavorful meatless mushroom burgers feature sautéed vegetables, herbs, and a crispy exterior, perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving a hearty, plant-based meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 8 oz. mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded into long strands ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 c. part-skim milk Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 c. wheat germ ⓘ
- 1/2 c. quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 4 seeded kaiser rolls ⓘ
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the broiler.
- In a medium frying pan, heat oil over high heat.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, and onion; cook until softened and liquid evaporates, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add garlic and 1 tablespoon of steak sauce; cook until the steak sauce begins to evaporate, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in parsley, basil, and oregano, then remove pan from heat and let mixture cool.
- In a large bowl, beat Ricotta cheese and egg until smooth.
- Add the cooled vegetable mixture, wheat germ, oats, and remaining steak sauce; mix well.
- Divide the mixture into four portions and shape each into a 1 1/4-inch thick patty.
- Place patties on a foil-lined cookie sheet.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Set patties on a broiler pan or foil-lined cookie sheet and cook, turning once, until well browned and firm, about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
- Split rolls and toast.
- Serve burgers in toasted rolls with lettuce and tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the steak sauce with a vegan alternative or using soy sauce for a different depth. You can also replace wheat germ with breadcrumbs if unavailable. Ensure the mixture is chilled thoroughly before cooking to help the patties hold their shape. Experiment with different mushrooms for varied tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mushroom burgers with your choice of condiments like mustard or avocado for an extra kick. Pair them with a side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing coleslaw or chips. For a fun twist, try them with grilled veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Mushroom Burgers contains roughly 765 calories, with 32g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and potassium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mushroom burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up, making them easier to cook.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have Ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s well-blended for a smooth texture in the burger mixture.
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or even portobello for a meatier texture. Each type will impart its unique flavor, so feel free to mix and match based on your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).