Epic Falafel Burger Recipe

Introduction

These epic falafel burgers are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy classic Middle Eastern flavors in a handheld form. Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, they make a perfect plant-based meal packed with veggies and spices.

Ingredients

• 15-ounce can chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 large carrot
• ½ red onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or parsley)
• 6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 4 buns
• Tomato slices
• Cucumber slices
• Red onion slices
• Lettuce leaves
• Quick Cucumber Sauce, Dill Sauce, Tahini Sauce (vegan), or Cilantro Sauce (vegan) for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dab them with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Place the chickpeas and sesame seeds in a food processor and process until a paste-like consistency forms. If you don’t have a food processor, mash the chickpeas with a potato masher or fork until mostly mashed, then stir in the sesame seeds.
3. Step 3: Add the carrot, red onion, garlic, and cilantro to the food processor; pulse until finely ground. If you don’t have a food processor, grate the carrot and onion, finely grate the garlic, and finely chop the cilantro, then combine with the chickpeas.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour, cumin, coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined. Form the mixture into 4 round patties and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the patties and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning.
6. Step 6: Transfer the patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up before serving.
7. Step 7: Assemble the burgers by placing a falafel patty on each bun, then top with tomato, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and your choice of sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free flour to make the patties suitable for gluten intolerance.
• For a crispier texture, double-fry the patties by frying again briefly after baking.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
• These patties also freeze well; separate layers with parchment paper for easy storage.

Storage

Store cooked falafel patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. You can also freeze the patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make falafel burgers without a food processor?

Yes, you can mash the chickpeas with a potato masher or fork and grate the vegetables by hand. It may take a bit more effort, but the taste and texture will still be great.

What sauces pair best with falafel burgers?

Traditional options like tahini sauce, quick cucumber sauce, dill sauce, or cilantro sauce complement the spices in the patties beautifully. Choose your favorite or try different sauces to keep things interesting.

Epic Falafel Burger Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

This Epic Falafel Burger recipe features crispy, golden falafel patties made from chickpeas, spices, and fresh vegetables, fried to perfection and then baked for an extra firm texture. Served on a bun with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, and your choice of vibrant sauces like quick cucumber, dill, tahini, or cilantro sauce, these hearty burgers make a delicious plant-based meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 15-ounce can chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 large carrot
• ½ red onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or parsley)
• 6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil (for frying)

Burger Assembly

• 4 buns
• Tomato slices
• Cucumber slices
• Red onion slices
• Lettuce leaves
• Quick Cucumber Sauce, Dill Sauce, Tahini Sauce (vegan), or Cilantro Sauce (vegan)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the falafel patties later in the recipe.
2. Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly. Dab them dry with a paper towel to remove extra moisture. Place chickpeas in a food processor bowl and add sesame seeds. Process until you get a paste-like consistency. If no food processor is available, mash with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Transfer mixture to a separate bowl.
3. Process Vegetables: Add carrot, red onion, garlic, and cilantro to the food processor. Pulse until finely ground. Without a food processor, grate the carrot and onion, finely grate the garlic, and chop the cilantro finely. Combine the vegetables with the mashed chickpea mixture in the bowl.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, cumin, coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly to form the falafel mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully combined, then shape the mixture into four round patties on a baking sheet.
5. Fry Patties: Heat 1/4 cup oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add patties to the pan, and if available, use a splatter screen. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, adjusting the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
6. Bake Patties: Transfer the fried patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let cool for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
7. Assemble Burger: While the patties cool, prepare your preferred falafel sauce. To serve, layer each bun with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion slices, then add a falafel patty and top with sauce. Enjoy immediately or store patties in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.
• If you don’t have a food processor, manual mashing and grating techniques work well.
• Keep the falafel patties cool after baking to help them firm up nicely.
• These patties freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
• Adjust spices to taste; add a pinch of cayenne for heat or fresh herbs for flavor variation.

Keywords: falafel, chickpea burger, vegan burger, plant-based burger, Middle Eastern falafel, homemade falafel patties, healthy vegan recipe