Secret to the best Vegan Black Bean Meatballs (5 Steps)
Craving a healthy dinner? Make easy Vegan Black Bean Meatballs! This simple, plant-based recipe is packed with flavor. Discover how
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans (15 oz each), rinsed and drained
- ½ small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 6 tbsp water
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided, plus more for cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Flax Egg & Sauté Aromatics. In a small bowl, whisk together ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken, creating a "flax egg." Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 2: Combine Black Bean Mixture. In a large mixing bowl (or a food processor), mash the rinsed and drained black beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still with some texture. If using a food processor, pulse until desired consistency. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, the prepared flax egg, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and tomato paste to the mashed black beans. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and forms a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a tiny bit of water or vegetable broth.
- Step 3: Form the Meatballs. Lightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking. Roll the black bean mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 16-18 meatballs. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Cook the Meatballs. You have two options for cooking: Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a lightly oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and firm. Pan-Frying: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating until all sides are golden brown and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes total. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy! Serve your delicious Vegan Black Bean Meatballs immediately. They are fantastic tossed with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, served in a sub sandwich, over rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
