Vegan Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are the ultimate high-protein, plant-based burgers. Kid-friendly using affordable ingredients. Foolproof recipe. Oil-free option and gluten-free.
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I was inspired to make a simple vegan burger that actually holds together. So many fall apart and use multiple ingredients. These turn out perfectly every time.
For more easy burger recipes on my site, try these Easy Vegan Chipotle Burgers, and High-Protein Gluten-Free Tofu Burgers. These burgers pair well with my tasty Crispy Roasted Potato Bites.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Dried Red Lentils
- Shallot
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Tomato Paste
- Cilantro
- Salt & Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
📖 Instructions
Soak the red lentils in enough water to cover by about 2 inches for 2 hours. Drain well.
Squeeze the grated carrots between paper towels to remove excess liquid.
Add the ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined and hold together when squeezed with your hands. Do not overdo. The mixture will feel a bit sticky but don't panic. The texture changes when they are cooked.
Using ¼ cup measurement for each, form 12 equal-sized patties.
Option 1 (oil-free): Bake Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers on a large nonstick baking sheet in a single layer at 400ºF for 10 minutes.
Option 2: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. (Test that the oil is hot by dropping a small amount of the batter into the skillet and see that it sizzles.)
Cook the patties in a single layer, with enough space to flip, for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. (You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.)
Transfer the cooked burgers to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
🥕 Substitutions
Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers are versatile:
- Carrots - instead of carrots, you can use grated sweet potato or zucchini, or chopped spinach using the same measurements
- Cilantro - instead of cilantro, use a variety of fresh herbs as desired
- Falafel - instead of burgers, use 2 tablespoons of the lentil mixture for each, and make 24 falafels
🌶 Variations
- Spicy - add minced jalapeño to the food processor with the other ingredients
- For more of a kick - use red onions in place of the shallots
🔪 Equipment
Make sure to use a food processor with a pulse button to combine the ingredients. Do not use a blender.
⏱ Storage
Refrigerate any remaining patties in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
These cooked patties stand up well to freezing. Wrap each individually in parchment paper to avoid sticking and place in a freezer bag.
💡 Top Tip
To ensure that the red lentils cook fully, soak them for at least 2 hours before using. Pan-fry the patties in enough oil to reach halfway up the sides.
Lentils typically do not require soaking before cooking. However, they do require soaking in this recipe as they are not being cooked in water.
Make sure to wash your lentils thoroughly before using.
Not all lentils are created equal. Red lentils are especially rich in protein. Plus, they have the added benefit of the shortest cooking time. One half cup of uncooked lentils boasts 22g of plant-based protein.
Easy 6-Ingredient Lentil Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried red lentils
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small dice (about ⅓ cup)
- ⅓ cup grated carrots about 3 small
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Neutral flavored cooking oil for pan frying (optional)
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Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Soak the lentils in enough water to cover by about 2 inches for two hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Place the ingredients into a canister: Add the drained lentils, garlic, shallot, carrot, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together, scraping the sides of the canister as needed.
- Shape the patties: Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture at a time. Shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Option 1 Bake: Bake the patties for 10 minutes. Flip them over and bake for about 10 minutes more, or until crispy on both sides.
- Option 2 Pan-Fry: Heat enough oil in a large nonstick skillet to reach about halfway up the sides of the patties. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. (You may need to do this in batches so as not to overcrowd the skillet.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- For serving: Serve with a bun and desired toppings; a side salad; or oven roasted potatoes.
Notes
- To ensure that the red lentils cook fully, soak them for at least 2 hours before using. Pan-fry the patties in enough oil to reach halfway up the sides.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as product types and brands used.
Bella says
Do the red lentils typically need longer than 2 hours? How do you know if they are ready?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
No. Just soak for two hours.
Anne says
These are SO GOOD. I have started eating vegan but my family is not, so they try the food I am making for myself and if they like it they say "put it on the list," meaning vegan recipes they will eat and forego meat for the meal. Even my company asked for the recipe. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
OMG makes me so happy to read this! Thank you for letting me know.
mrs sap says
can these be made in air fryer?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I have not tested this but they should be fine if you line the basket and cook them at about 375ºF.
Shannon says
Hello, thank you for including the macros, how many patties / what is the size of one serving as I can’t remember how many patties it made in the end. I made them and they are delicious and now in the freezer
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. The nutrition info is for one-quarter of the total number of patties. So if your batter made 8 patties, it would be for 2.
Melissa says
Really easy, and so affordable. Made in between sized ones, not burgers, not nuggets lol. cleaner and cheaper than what if offered in stores!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you for giving them a try! In-between is a versatile size! Glad you liked them.
Bhaavana Sreesailam says
Perfect for meal prep,added Indian spices , they were so delicious
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Krishan says
Hi! I'm wondering what your recommendations are for advance prep- if I blend the mixture the day before, should I form the patties just before frying, or form the patties the day before and keep in the fridge? Thanks!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I would form them as soon as you make the batter and store them already shaped.
Cathy says
This recipe is delicious. I cooked both ways and both are wonderful. Served with tzatziki sauce and tomatoes. Thank you!!!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I' so glad to hear that you enjoyed it both ways! Thank you.
Kate Bancroft says
Can these be done on a barbecue? My husband would really like to do that if possible at a picnic for blind people.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. I'm not sure that would work as the dough tends to be a bit sticky.
Audrey Vargas says
Delicious!
The mixture was watery but I fought against adding bread crumbs. If it failed it was not my fault.
Voila! Cooked perfect and delicious.
I fried them and served with cucumber tomato salad.
First time I tried your recipe and it was a success! Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you trusted the process! Awesome:)
Yen says
Can you share the food processor you used? Thanks
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I used a Breville but I also love this compact one:
https://amzn.to/3SlKHjO
Shalyse Iseminger says
These were great! Every other bean burger I've made my husband wasn't a fan of because he said they were mushy. He actually liked these and didn't complain about the texture! My 6 year old even ate a nugget sized one which is a big accomplishment for him (though my 2 year old wouldn't touch it... Hopefully some day).
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yay! So glad they were a success. Some day soon especially if they keep showing up!
Kavitha says
What is the grater machine you have used in the video?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
It's a carrot grater but I recommend using a regular grater!
Eileen says
This honestly surprised me, it was flavorful, easy and delicious. I was worried it would be bland, but it was tasty, good texture, and made great leftovers.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for commenting.
Isabella says
Amazing recipe! They taste amazing and so easy to make! Thank you so much. The only thing they turned out a bit dry. I baked them in the oven. Any idea?
Thanks! 🙂
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. Make sure to preheat the oven fully before baking and do not leave them in too long. Remove them once done. Or you can pan-fry them before baking.
Gedalia Genin says
Have enjoyed the lentil burgers! Such an easy lunch or dinner with veggies or salad. The only thing is I’d spray the parchment paper as they are hard to turn without. I baked them obviously.
But all around good taste !
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Great! Have you tried my baking sheets? https://amzn.to/4ce4vjg or this high-quality parchment paper https://amzn.to/3VAI0xX ?
Aymara says
Hi! Lovely burgers, I just want to know.. the nutritional information is for the whole recipe or for a 100g?
Thanks
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. It is for one-fourth of the total quantity.
Andee says
I would like to make these but I need some clarity. First of all, can you used canned lentils for this recipe? Secondly, I don't have red lentils, but have the brown lentils in the bag. Do I have to soak them overnight, or will the 2 hours that you recommend for the red lentils be enough time for the brown? And last, do you have to "dry" the lentils before putting them into the food processor?
Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
hi. Others have made these with brown lentils. I would soak them overnight. Drain them, but you do not need to dry them. Do not use canned lentils.
Andee says
Thank you very much Nisha!
Andee
Rosemary Henry says
You don’t look that old to have 3 teens, you look like you’re in your early twenties.
Can I soak the lentils overnight?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww thank you! I think tehy will become to mushy. Use green or brown lentils of you are soaking overnight.
Kimberley says
I think I would like to try this recipe. What is the sauce that you show in the picture with it?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
These two sauces work well: https://cookingforpeanuts.com/tahini-yogurt-sauce/ and https://cookingforpeanuts.com/chipotle-sauce/
Kimberley says
Thanks Nisha. I am prepping my grocery list and planning on making these this week.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad! Enjoy!!!
Syd says
Tried this recipe, it’s my first recipe of yours that I’ve cooked after saving many of them over the course of the past few months. Immediately ordered your cookbook afterward! There is something so wonderful about the work you do. Making vegan cooking accessible, healthy, and affordable while also tasting delicious to multiple palates (kids especially) is a true showcase of your skill. Thank you for being someone who passionately shares what they learn with the world in hopes of making it a better place. You rock!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
You made me cry! In a good way. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Alexandra says
If I want to freeze them, should I freeze before cooking or after cooking?
Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Cook them first, then freeze.
Tiana Alexieva says
Awesome! The first veggie burgers my picky boyfriend actually liked. He even asked me for seconds which is a huge deal! I’ve tried EVERY recipe possible to find a suitable substitute to meat burgers in our diets and this is the only one both me and my boyfriend liked. It is also the first time for me to make a veggie burger that actually stays together and doesn’t fall apart before reaching the plates,
It is also so delicious and easy to make! The best part is that the ingredients needed are things I always have in my kitchen and I don’t need some fancy, hard to find and expensive products.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed and lovely comment. Made my week!
Heather says
These were a hit with my whole family! They were easy to make and I loved that the burgers held together so well. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed them! Thank you for letting me know!