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Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by preparing the broccoli. If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it and drain off any excess moisture.
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes until bright green, or steam it until tender. This will soften the broccoli and make it easier to blend. Once blanched or steamed, drain the broccoli well and use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat it dry. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible, as excess water can affect the burger’s texture.
Step 2: Mash the Broccoli
After drying the broccoli, finely chop or pulse it in a food processor to break it down into small, rice-like pieces. You don’t want a puree, so pulse it until it’s finely chopped but still has some texture. The chopped broccoli will form the base of the burger mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with ground flax seeds, almond flour, nutritional yeast (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Add the lemon juice if you’d like a bit of zest to your mixture.
Stir the ingredients together until everything is well incorporated. You should end up with a thick, slightly sticky mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little extra almond flour to help it bind together. If it’s too dry, a splash of water or a little olive oil can help bring it together.
Step 4: Form the Patties
Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to form it into burger patties. Depending on the size you prefer, this recipe should make around 4 medium-sized patties or 6 smaller ones.
If the mixture is too sticky, lightly wet your hands with water or oil to make shaping the patties easier. Gently press the patties down to ensure they hold together well.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli Burgers
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the broccoli patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and crispy on the outside. Be gentle when flipping them, as they are a bit more delicate than traditional meat burgers.
You can also bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Baking will give the burgers a slightly firmer texture, but both cooking methods yield great results.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a minute. You can enjoy them as-is or serve them with your favorite burger toppings.
These broccoli burgers are fantastic on a whole-grain bun, served with fresh veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of sweet potato fries, salad, or quinoa.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Burgers
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicier version. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add an extra layer of flavor as well.
- Add Other Veggies: If you want to amp up the veggie factor, you can mix in other finely grated vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from any added veggies before mixing them in.
- Make Them Ahead: These broccoli patties can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat them in a skillet or oven for a quick meal.
- Make It Creamy: Top your broccoli burgers with a creamy sauce like vegan mayo, yogurt-based dressing, or a simple avocado spread for a rich, smooth finish.
Why Broccoli Burgers Are a Great Choice
- High in Nutrients: Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins (especially C and K), antioxidants, and fiber. By using it as the base for your burger, you’re giving your body a boost of essential nutrients while enjoying a flavorful meal.
- Low-Carb: If you’re watching your carb intake or following a keto diet, these burgers are a great way to get the satisfaction of a burger without the starchy carbs that come with traditional buns or potato-based burgers.
- Versatile: Broccoli burgers are not only tasty, but they’re also customizable. Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy, or cheesy flavor, you can tweak the seasonings and add-ins to create your perfect veggie burger.
- Kid-Friendly: Getting kids to eat more veggies can be a challenge, but these broccoli burgers are a fun, easy way to sneak in healthy greens. The familiar shape and burger-like texture might make it more appealing to little ones, and the flavor is mild enough that even picky eaters will love them.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Burgers are a healthy, tasty, and easy way to enjoy a guilt-free burger without the flour, eggs, potatoes, or starch. Packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor, these plant-based patties offer a lighter, veggie-packed alternative to traditional burgers that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to eat more vegetables, broccoli burgers are a perfect addition to your recipe collection.
So the next time you’re craving a burger, skip the bun and give these Broccoli Burgers a try. They’re quick, customizable, and delicious—a true veggie burger experience!
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