Crispy Cauliflower Burgers Recipe

Fiery Cauliflower Burgers Recipe: Zesty Plant-Based Delight!

Bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome ingredients, these crispy cauliflower burgers bring a delightful twist to your regular mealtime routine.

Cauliflower lovers will rejoice at this innovative plant-based alternative that rivals traditional patties.

Crunchy on the outside and tender within, these burgers deliver serious satisfaction for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Blending spices and herbs creates a mouthwatering profile that makes every bite incredibly memorable.

Nutritious and simple to prepare, these burgers transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, you’ll want to make these again and again.

Serve them hot and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Spicy Cauliflower Burgers

For Roasting Base:
  • Cauliflower Florets: Select fresh, white florets without brown spots for sweet, caramelized flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and helps spices stick to vegetables.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance natural cauliflower taste and provide basic seasoning.
For Binding and Flavor:
  • Chickpeas, Breadcrumbs: Add protein, create sturdy texture and help patties hold together.
  • Tahini: Brings creamy richness and nutty undertone to burger mixture.
  • Hot Sauce: Infuses spicy kick and adds complex layered heat.
  • Spices: Boost overall depth of flavor and create aromatic burger profile.
For Cooking and Serving:
  • Cooking Oil: Ensures crispy, evenly browned burger exterior.
  • Burger Buns: Provides soft, warm base for serving burger.
  • Optional Toppings: Allow personal customization and additional flavor dimensions.

What Tools You Need For Cauliflower Burgers

  • Food Processor: Essential for blending roasted cauliflower and creating burger mixture.
  • Baking Sheet: Perfect for roasting cauliflower florets evenly in the oven.
  • Skillet: Needed for cooking burger patties to golden brown perfection.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for preparing cauliflower and forming patties.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for breaking down cauliflower into florets.
  • Spatula: Helps flip patties and transfer them in the skillet.
  • Measuring Spoons/Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Make Spicy Cauliflower Burgers

  • Roast the Cauliflower

Spread cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Blast in a hot oven until edges turn golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.

  • Blend Burger Base

Toss roasted cauliflower into a food processor with chickpeas, breadcrumbs, tahini, and spicy sauce. Pulse until ingredients create a chunky, hearty mixture that holds together.

  • Shape Patty Goodness

Mold the blended mixture into burger-shaped rounds. If the mix feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a quick chill to help them firm up.

  • Sizzle and Cook

Heat a skillet with a touch of oil. Gently place patties in the pan and cook until each side develops a delicious crispy exterior, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  • Build Your Burger

Slide the sizzling patty onto a toasted bun. Layer with your favorite toppings and sauces for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tips To Add Heat & Texture To Cauliflower Burgers

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep burger patties up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond meal to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity to dial heat up or down – use less for mild lovers or add extra sriracha for serious spice enthusiasts.
  • Protein Power Boost: Mix in extra chickpeas or add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to increase protein content for athletes or active individuals.
  • Veggie Topping Ideas: Top burgers with quick-pickled red onions, crispy roasted bell peppers, fresh avocado slices, or tangy coleslaw for added texture and flavor complexity.

How To Serve Cauliflower Burgers That Wow

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Top burgers with zesty pickled red onions, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick of excitement.
  • Mediterranean Twist: Layer burger with cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce to transport taste buds to Greek islands.
  • Comfort Classic Combo: Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and a cool coleslaw to balance the spicy burger's heat, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Green Power Upgrade: Add sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a nutrient-packed, vibrant presentation that makes the burger feel incredibly fresh and light.

Keeping Cauliflower Burgers Fresh

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: After cooking, let burgers cool completely at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Fridge Storage Magic: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap uncooked or cooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen patties remain delicious for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a splash of oil to restore crispiness and prevent drying out.
Print
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Crispy Cauliflower Burgers Recipe

Crispy Cauliflower Burgers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling spicy cauliflower burgers bring Middle Eastern flavors to your dinner table. Crisp cauliflower patties pack bold spices and herbs, delivering a satisfying plant-based meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or nut butter
  • 12 tablespoons water, as needed for blending
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomato
  • Red onion slices
  • Avocado (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Vegan mayo (optional)
  • Extra hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roasting Preparation: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 425F (220C) for 25 minutes, rotating halfway to ensure even caramelization and golden crispness.
  2. Mixture Creation: Combine roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, breadcrumbs, tahini, hot sauce, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a cohesive, textured blend that holds together, adding minimal water if needed to maintain proper consistency.
  3. Patty Formation: Shape the mixture into compact burger patties using slightly dampened hands. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to intensify and meld together.
  4. Cooking Process: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil. Carefully place patties in the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the interior is thoroughly heated.
  5. Serving Finale: Transfer the spicy cauliflower patties onto toasted buns. Customize with preferred fresh toppings, vibrant sauces, and crisp accompaniments. Serve immediately to preserve optimal flavor and textural experience.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Control cauliflower’s water content by patting florets dry before roasting to prevent soggy burger texture.
  • Binding Brilliance: Use tahini and chickpeas as natural binders to help patties hold together, avoiding crumbly results.
  • Temperature Timing: Refrigerate patties before cooking to help them firm up and prevent falling apart during pan-frying.
  • Spice Customization: Adjust hot sauce and spice levels to suit personal heat tolerance without compromising overall burger structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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