Prepare to fall in love with these Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers, a hearty vegetarian spin that’s sure to win over burger fanatics and veggie lovers alike! Packed with earthy wild rice, savory black beans, colorful veggies, and just the right hit of spice, each patty is a celebration of flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re serving up a family meal or looking to impress your friends at the next backyard bash, these burgers have an irresistible appeal—think perfectly crisp edges, moist centers, and that signature wild rice chew. Trust me, one bite and you’ll never look at veggie burgers the same way again!

Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the wonderful things about Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers is how every ingredient plays a key role in the overall flavor and texture. This isn’t just a veggie burger—each component brings its own magic, from the nutty chew of wild rice to the umami richness of soy sauce. Let’s break down the star players that give these burgers their unforgettable flair.

Cooked Wild Rice (1 cup, cooled): Gives the burgers their signature texture and a nutty, earthy flavor that can’t be beat.
Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz, rinsed and drained): Lend creaminess, body, and added protein, making each bite satisfyingly hearty.
Red Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced): Adds a subtle crunch and a vibrant pop of color and sharpness.
Grated Carrot (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and color, helping bind the patties while keeping them moist.
Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Lifts the flavors with freshness and a hint of green brightness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers a savory undertone that ties all the flavors together.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, gluten-free if needed): Essential for binding; add more if your mixture feels too wet.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated, optional): Brings in rich umami and a little bit of gooeyness—feel free to skip for a dairy-free version.
Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): The essential binding agent to keep your patties tender but sturdy.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds savory depth and a lovely saltiness.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the robust flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, peppery kick that rounds everything out.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, for cooking): For crisping the patties to golden perfection.
Burger Buns (4): Choose your favorite variety—whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free.
Lettuce Leaves, Tomato Slices, Sliced Red Onion, Favorite Sauce: The finishing touches for the freshest burger build.

How to Make Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers

Step 1: Mash and Mix

Begin by placing your rinsed and drained black beans into a large bowl, then use a sturdy fork to mash them. Breaking down most of the beans helps the mixture stick together while leaving some beans intact keeps the texture interesting. Next, stir in the cooked wild rice, finely diced red onion, grated carrot, chopped parsley, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan if you’re using it, lightly beaten eggs, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined—you’re aiming for a mixture that holds together when pressed, but if it’s too wet, just sprinkle in a few extra breadcrumbs until it feels just right.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Once everything is mixed, divide the ultimate wild rice burger mixture into four equal portions. With clean hands, shape each into a patty about the size of your burger buns. Press firmly but gently; you want them sturdy enough to hold up in the pan, but not packed so tight that they become dense. Laying them out on a parchment-lined tray while you prep the rest helps keep things tidy.

Step 3: Pan Fry to Perfection

Now heat those two tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add your patties (working in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust and a patty that feels firm. Avoid flipping too soon—give them time to develop color and flavor!

Step 4: Toast and Assemble

With your burgers nearly ready, toast your buns in a dry skillet or pop them under a broiler for a minute or two, until lightly crisp. To build each burger, layer a fresh lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add your piping hot wild rice patty, then top with juicy tomato slices, extra red onion for crunch, and a generous drizzle of your favorite sauce. Place the top bun on and get ready for burger bliss!

How to Serve Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers

Garnishes

When serving Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers, a few simple garnishes can make all the difference. Add a handful of fresh greens, microgreens, or sprouts for a colorful, vibrant pop. A thin layer of smashed avocado or a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños offers a kick, and don’t underestimate a few fresh herbs or a dusting of extra smoked paprika to really finish things in style.

Side Dishes

Pairing these burgers with the right sides takes dinner to a whole new level! Classic baked sweet potato fries or crisp oven-roasted potatoes are always winners. For something lighter, a crunchy slaw or a summery corn salad balances out the rich flavors of the patties. If you’re in the mood to keep things green, a simple spinach salad with tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s no rule that says Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers always have to be traditional! Try serving them open-faced for a knife-and-fork experience, or crumbling the patties over a fresh bowl of greens for a burger salad. Mini patties on slider buns are totally adorable for party platters, and you can even use these patties as a protein-packed addition to wraps and grain bowls. Let your imagination—and appetite—lead the way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers leftover, you’ll be happy to know they keep beautifully! Once cooked, let the patties cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for three to four days and can be eaten cold or reheated for another flavor-packed meal.

Freezing

For those who like to plan ahead, these burgers are a freezer dream. Arrange uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. If you want to freeze cooked patties, simply stack them between layers of wax paper before sealing up.

Reheating

To reheat, place a patty (from the fridge or straight from the freezer) into a non-stick skillet with a splash of olive oil. Warm over medium heat until heated through—about two to three minutes per side. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F for about ten minutes for a slightly crispier finish. Avoid microwaving, as it might make them a bit soggy; the skillet method really brings them back to life!

FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, simply swap out the eggs for your favorite flax or chia egg substitute and use a vegan-friendly cheese alternative, or omit the cheese altogether. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so these easy tweaks keep the burgers deliciously vegan.

What sauce goes best with these burgers?

These burgers pair beautifully with almost anything, from classic ketchup and mustard to homemade aioli or spicy sriracha mayo. For something special, try a creamy avocado sauce, tangy barbecue, or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and herbs.

How can I make these gluten-free?

It’s a breeze to make Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers gluten-free—simply use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in the patty mixture, and serve your burgers with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. No one will miss a thing!

Can I bake instead of pan-frying the patties?

Definitely! To bake, arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as pan-fried, but still totally satisfying and perfect for a lighter meal.

What kind of wild rice should I use?

You can use any variety of wild rice you prefer—just be sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing it in. A blend that includes other types of rice works if you like a varied texture, but for the most robust nutty flavor, pure wild rice is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a plate of Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers—each bite is packed with flavor, color, and a satisfying heartiness that makes you wonder how you ever settled for store-bought veggie burgers. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Here’s to next-level burgers and good times around the table!

Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Ultimate Wild Rice Burgers are packed with wholesome ingredients like wild rice, black beans, and veggies, making them a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option for burger lovers. Perfect for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on taste!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup cooked wild rice, cooled
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For Serving:

4 burger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Sliced red onion
Your favorite sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mash the Beans: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
Mix Ingredients: Add wild rice, red onion, carrot, parsley, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
Shape Patties: Divide mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties.
Cook Patties: Cook patties in olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Assemble Burgers: Toast buns, then assemble with lettuce, patty, tomato, onion, and sauce. Serve hot.

Notes

These patties freeze well — freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once solid. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American