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BBQ lentil burger patties

BBQ Lentil Burger Patties

These BBQ lentil burger patties are smoky, hearty, and easy to make at home. They hold together well, cook beautifully on a pan or grill, and taste amazing on a toasted bun with fresh salad or creamy coleslaw.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the patties (4–6 burgers):
  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce plus extra for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For serving (optional but recommended):
  • 4 –6 burger buns
  • Lettuce leaves
  • 1 –2 tomatoes sliced
  • Red onion slices
  • Coleslaw
  • Extra BBQ sauce

Method
 

Cook the Lentils
  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
  2. Add lentils and 2 ½ cups water to a pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 18–22 minutes until soft but not mushy.
  3. Drain any extra water. Let them cool for 10 minutes.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a small splash of oil.
  2. Cook chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Make the Burger Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, mash the lentils with a fork. Leave some texture. Do not turn it into paste.
  2. Add cooked onion, garlic, oats, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix well.
  1. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. The oats will absorb moisture and help it hold together.
Shape the Patties
  1. Divide mixture into 4–6 equal portions.
  2. Press firmly into thick patties. Make them compact so they don’t fall apart.
  3. Place on a plate and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes if you have time. This helps them firm up.
Cook the Patties
  1. Stovetop method (recommended):
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and slightly crisp.
  4. Do not flip too early. Let a crust form first.
Grill option:
  1. Brush lightly with oil and grill 4 minutes per side on medium heat.
  2. Assemble the Burger
Toast the buns.
  1. Add the lentil patty. Brush with a little extra BBQ sauce.
  2. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and coleslaw.
  3. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons oats.
  • If it feels dry, add 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce.
  • Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape.
  • You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
  • For extra texture, add 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts.
  • Toasting the buns makes a big difference. It adds crunch and keeps the bread from getting soggy.