The BEST Sauces for Bean Burgers
If you’re planning to serve up some delicious bean burgers for dinner this evening and you’re looking for the best sauces to serve alongside, you’ve come to the right place!
From classic favourites like ketchup and garlic mayo, to creative choices like spicy mustard and flavoursome teriyaki, let’s dive straight into the best sauces for bean burgers…
Classic Sauces
When it comes to bean burgers, you can never go wrong with the classic sauces.
These tried-and-true favourites will complement the flavours of your bean burger and ensure a delicious meal.
Let’s explore some of the best options for your bean burger.
Ketchup is a staple at any burger event, and it’s the perfect match for your bean burger as well.
Whether you opt for a store-bought version or decide to make your own homemade ketchup, this classic will give your bean burger a tangy, slightly sweet flavour that everyone loves.
Mustard offers a different, but equally delicious, taste.
Choose from the milder yellow mustard or the spicier Dijon variety, depending on your preference.
Either way, you’re in for a pleasant burst of flavour that will give your bean burger a little extra kick.
Mayonnaise is fantastic for adding creaminess and richness to your bean burger.
Feel free to use classic mayonnaise, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try an aioli.
A particularly popular choice is garlic aioli, which adds a booming flavour that pairs exceptionally well with the beans.
Thousand Island dressing is another great option for a saucy bean burger, as this tangy and slightly sweet sauce lends a subtle complexity to the flavours.
Its zesty notes and creamy texture will elevate your burger experience.
Relish is an excellent accompaniment to bean burgers if you’re looking to add some crunch and zing.
You might prefer a classic pickle relish or a sweeter variety like corn relish – either way, the aroma and texture will only enhance your burger.
Spicy Sauces FOR BEAN BURGERS
Hot Sauce and Sriracha
When it comes to adding a kick to your bean burgers, nothing beats the classic combination of hot sauce and sriracha.
These two fiery condiments provide the perfect balance of heat and flavour, making them an excellent choice for spicing up your veggie patties.
To ensure the best results, try blending equal parts of both sauces and a touch of sweet syrup like agave or honey for a well-rounded sauce that will complement the natural earthiness of your bean burgers.
You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or paprika for an extra spicy kick, depending on your taste preferences.
Chipotle Flavours
If you’re after a smoky and spicy sauce, then chipotle flavours should be high on your list.
Chipotle peppers are essentially smoked jalapeno peppers and add a deep, earthy flavour to sauces without overpowering the taste buds.
To make your own chipotle sauce, follow these simple steps:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika.
- Mix well and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
This sauce works wonderfully atop bean burgers and will add a smoky and spicy dimension that’s hard to resist.
Spicy Mustard
For those who enjoy a little tang with their heat, spicy mustard is an ideal condiment to have on hand.
Combining the sharpness of mustard with a subtle heat from spices like cayenne, spicy mustard is an excellent addition to any bean burger.
Here’s a simple spicy mustard recipe you can make at home:
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of wholegrain mustard
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container until needed.
For an even more fiery kick, you can add a generous pinch of paprika or a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce.
Savoury Sauces
BBQ and Teriyaki Sauce
A classic choice for bean burgers is the ever-popular BBQ sauce.
It adds a rich and smoky flavour that perfectly complements the earthy taste of beans.
To make your own BBQ sauce, mix ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of cumin for added depth.
Homemade BBQ sauce can elevate your bean burger experience, giving you control over its sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness.
Another favourite is teriyaki sauce.
This Japanese-inspired sauce consists of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and spices. It brings a delightful balance of sweetness and umami to your bean burgers.
If you prefer a smokier, more robust flavour, add a dash of toasted sesame oil to your teriyaki glaze.
Both BBQ and teriyaki sauces can be easily customised to your taste preferences and pair beautifully with bean-based patties for a satisfying meal.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce
For those who prefer a simpler but equally flavourful option, soy sauce is an excellent choice.
The versatile condiment adds a deep umami flavour without overpowering your bean burger.
You can also experiment with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free twist.
Worcestershire sauce is another great alternative for adding a savoury touch to your bean burgers.
Made from a blend of vinegar, molasses, sugar, and other seasonings, it imparts a complex taste that pairs wonderfully with bean-based patties.
Mix it with a bit of mayonnaise or yoghurt to create a deliciously tangy sauce.
To enhance its earthy character, add a pinch of cumin, a spice with a warm and toasty profile.
Creamy Sauces
Ranch and Sour Cream
Your bean burger experience can be elevated with a tasty and creamy ranch sauce.
To make a vegan-friendly version, mix vegan mayo, non-dairy milk, and herbs like dill, parsley, and chives.
You can always customise the taste using garlic, onion powder, or paprika.
Sour cream is another excellent option for a creamy texture.
You may choose a vegan sour cream or make your own by blending silken tofu, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar until smooth, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Mayo and Special Sauce
Mayo is a perfect base for creating an array of delicious sauces. Vegan mayonnaise is readily available and works just as well.
Adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika can instantly transform plain mayo into a scrumptious spread.
Special sauce usually contains a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients like pickles or onions.
Thousand Island dressing is a popular special sauce that mixes ketchup and mayonnaise with finely chopped pickles and onions.
You can even give it a unique twist by adding vegan Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Herb-Infused Sauces
Pesto and Chimichurri
Pesto is a delicious choice for bean burgers, providing a burst of fresh flavour.
A classic basil pesto is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, simply substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
The consistency of your pesto can be easily adjusted by adding more or less olive oil.
Take a look at how to improve store bought pesto!
Chimichurri is another vibrant and flavourful sauce that complements bean burgers well.
It originates from Argentina and is a mix of fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, and vinegar.
For a unique twist, try adding other herbs like oregano or mint.
Here’s a simple pesto and chimichurri recipe to try:
| Ingredients | Pesto | Chimichurri |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh herbs | 2 cups basil | 1 cup parsley |
| 1 cup cilantro | ||
| Garlic | 3 cloves | 4 cloves |
| Nuts/Cheese (optional) | 1/3 cup pine nuts | – |
| 1/2 cup Parmesan | – | |
| Olive oil | 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Vinegar | – | 1/4 cup red wine vinegar |
| Red pepper flakes/ground black pepper | – | 1 tsp red pepper flakes |
| Salt | to taste | to taste |
Salsa and Guacamole
Salsa is a fantastic topping for bean burgers and can be customised to suit your taste.
The combination of ripe tomatoes, onions, chillies, and cilantro creates a tangy and refreshing sauce.
For added depth of flavour, try experimenting with different types of chillies or adding a splash of lime juice.
Guacamole might be well-known as a dip, but it also makes a great sauce for bean burgers.
Creamy avocado, zesty lime juice, and a pinch of salt come together to create this simple yet satisfying sauce.
For extra texture and bite, mix in diced tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños.
Why not give these salsa and guacamole recipes a go:
| Ingredients | Salsa | Guacamole |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 3 chopped | – |
| Onions | 1 small diced | 1 small diced |
| Chillies | 2, deseeded & chopped | 1, deseeded & chopped |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup chopped | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Avocado | – | 2, mashed |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp | juice of 1 lime |
| Salt | to taste | to taste |
Remember to keep it fresh and have fun with these flavoursome sauces to elevate your bean burgers to the next level!
Unique Sauce Ideas
Cheese Sauce and Feta Cheese
Elevate your bean burgers with a mouth-watering cheese sauce!
To make a simple yet delicious cheese sauce, start by making a roux with equal parts butter and flour.
Slowly stir in your favourite type of milk until the mixture thickens, then add grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) and continue stirring until smooth.
Pour this luscious cheese sauce over your bean burger and top it off with some crumbled feta cheese to add a salty, tangy twist.
The combination of these cheeses will provide a creamy, rich flavour that will make your bean burgers irresistibly delicious.
You can also check out some ideas for what to do with leftover cheese sauce.
Bacon Jam and Pickle Juice
If you’re not a vegetarian and simply like bean burgers, you might want to try bacon jam.
To make bacon jam, cook bacon until crispy and then transfer it to a plate.
In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, and then combine with the bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, and a touch of coffee.
Simmer this mixture until it thickens and serve it atop your bean burger for a tasty burst of flavour.
To cut through the richness of the bacon jam, drizzle some pickle juice over your burger.
The tang of the pickle juice will offer a fantastic contrast to the sweetness of the bacon jam, creating an exciting flavour explosion in your mouth!
Olive Oil and Vinegar Mixes
For a lighter, more refreshing twist on your bean burger, try an olive oil and vinegar mix that will add a delightfully zesty finish.
Start by whisking together a high-quality olive oil, your choice of vinegar (like balsamic or red wine vinegar), and some finely chopped shallots.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle this delectable mixture over your bean burger.
The result is a delightfully tangy and fresh alternative to heavier sauces.
You can also experiment by adding different herbs and spices to your mix, tailoring it to your personal taste preferences.
Making the Perfect Sauce
Creating a mouth-watering sauce for your bean burgers is quite simple and requires just a few ingredients.
The key to making an amazing sauce is to find the perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the perfect homemade sauce to enhance your bean burger experience.
First, consider the flavour profile you want for your sauce.
Think about the bean burger you’ll be serving and choose flavours that will complement it.
You can opt for tangy, spicy, sweet, or even a little bit of everything. The possibilities are endless!
Next, it’s time to gather your ingredients.
Quality ingredients make a huge difference in the final taste of your sauce.
Fresh herbs, good quality vinegars, and high-quality condiments will elevate your sauce to new heights.
Be creative and try adding unconventional ingredients like fruit jams or chutneys to achieve a unique flavour.
Now, decide on the texture of your sauce.
A thick sauce will cling to your bean burger, adding a satisfying mouthfeel to each bite.
To achieve a thick sauce, use a food processor to blend your ingredients together until you reach the desired consistency.
If you’d rather have a thinner sauce, simply whisk your ingredients together in a small bowl.
When you’ve achieved the flavour and texture you want for your sauce, there are a few more things to consider.
Are you going to grill or bake your bean burgers?
The cooking method you choose may dictate the best time to apply your sauce.
If you’re grilling, you may want to baste your burgers with your sauce while they cook.
If you’re baking, it might be best to wait until they’re finished cooking and spread the sauce on just before serving.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Mixing and matching different flavours and thicknesses will help you find the perfect sauce for your bean burgers.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Now that you’ve got your bean burgers ready, it’s time to add the perfect sauces and toppings to make them truly mouth-watering.
Here are a few ideas to help you turn a delicious bean burger into a tasty delight.
Caramelised Onion: Adding caramelised onions to your bean burger will bring a sweet and savoury flavour, enhancing the taste even more.
Simply slice a few onions and slowly cook them in a pan with a bit of oil and sugar until they turn golden brown.
Place the caramelised onions on top of your bean burger to create the perfect balance between flavours.
Roasted Red Peppers: Roasting some red bell peppers will give your bean burger an extra layer of smoky flavour.
To prepare the roasted red peppers, preheat your oven to 180°C and simply place some whole deseeded bell peppers onto a baking tray.
Roast for about 25 minutes and let them cool down.
Peel off the skin and slice the roasted peppers before adding them to your burger.
Corn Salsa: Give your burger a boost of freshness with a homemade corn salsa.
Take a handful of sweetcorn, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, and a few chopped garlic cloves.
Mix them together with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, creating a refreshing salsa to complement your bean burger.
Salad and Onion: Last, but not least, don’t forget the classic salad ingredients.
Keep it simple with fresh lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and a few rings of fresh onion.
These essential elements will provide your bean burger with the perfect touch of crunch and juiciness.
