There’s really nothing more satisfying than a good burger. From the wealthiest to the poorest, the youngest to the oldest, each of us enjoys sinking our teeth into a plump, juicy burger loaded with toppings and nestled between two fluffy white buns. It’s a go-to comfort food for many of us, a weekend treat, an indulgent snack or a full-blown meal. You can dress a burger up or down. It can be as healthy or as decadent as you want it to be. 

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However, if you’re choosing to avoid meat for religious, health or ethical reasons, you may assume that you’ll never again know what it’s like to sink your teeth into a good burger. But vegetarians and vegans have more options than ever when it comes to this humble yet delectable German / American staple. The freezer and refrigerator aisles of grocery stores are now chock full of plant-based burgers that look, taste, cook and even bleed like beef-based hamburgers. However, there’s something much more satisfying about cooking your own burgers as opposed to relying on processed meat alternatives. 

So, make a big chunky salad. Pop a batch of spicy baked curly fries from BoulderLocavore.com in the oven. Chill your drink of choice. We’re going to peruse some patties with these meatless burger recipes for any occasion. Whether you want to add the wow factor to your BBQ or plan something with a little extra zip for your Meat Free Mondays you can’t go wrong with…

Black lentil & quinoa burgers

Who said vegetarians don’t get enough protein? These completely plant based burgers pack a protein punch with black lentils and quinoa as the base, and portobello and shiitake mushrooms creating a pleasant texture and preventing the patty from becoming too mushy. Roasted onions lend the patty a beautiful richness and depth to the flavor while soy sauce black pepper and kosher sauce keep the seasoning simple but effective. This recipe uses an egg white to bind, but you can easily make this burger completely vegan by substituting the egg white with tofu or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). 

Aubergine and halloumi burgers

Cheese lovers rejoice! I’ve found the ultimate burger for you. There’s nothing like the texture and subtly salty taste of halloumi cheese and these quick and simple burgers combine this beloved Greek cheese with delicious fried aubergine, coated in panko breadcrumbs for a satisfyingly crunchy texture. A dash of cumin, garlic salt and mild chilli powder keep the flavors interesting without drowning out the subtleties of the flavor in spice. A delicious treat that brings a mediterranean flavor to the dinner table. Serve with harissa mayo on a lightly toasted sesame seed bun. 

Spicy cauli steak burgers

Cauliflower is one of the most versatile yet sadly underrated vegetables on the shelf, and these surprisingly succulent burgers will remind your family what they’ve been missing if it’s not a regular fixture in your household. 

The secret of this burger is deep fried, exquisitely seasoned cauliflower steak. Cumin and paprika add a subtly spicy hint, although if you like your food hot you could always add a little extra dash of chilli. Top with a mountain of crispy salad and cooling mayo and served on a soft ciabatta bun. In international flavor that’s sure to make you rethink your preconceptions about the humble cauliflower. 

Thai spiced sweetcorn burgers

Sweetness, saltiness and spice. Those are the flavors that characterize Thai food. And they’re a great way to keep your burgers lively. These delicious Thai spiced sweetcorn burgers are a lively addition to any BBQ or dinner table. Thai red curry paste brings the bulk of the flavor, while the sweetcorn is bound together with gram flour. It’s worth noting that many brands of Thai curry paste contain fish sauce (a fishy, salty and sweet mixture that is the very essence of Thai cuisine) and as such may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, there are many versions on the market today that eschew the fish sauce yet still capture that authentic Thai flavor. Always read the label. 

Ultimate veggie burgers

Finally, we end our list with these ultimate veggie burgers which use a fantastic combination of veggies and grains to create the perfect burger texture while also cramming a whole lot of nutrition between those buns. Sweet potatoes, okra, potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, corn, and eggplant form these nutritious patties while beets add a dash of vibrant color and vitamins. They’re also loaded with cereals and legumes for nutritional balance and texture. Serve these up at the dinner table and you may never bother with beef patties again!

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