Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a delicious, fuss-free plant-based burger, then you’re going to adore this Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe. It’s packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and perfect for those busy days when you want something satisfying without a ton of work. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just burger-curious, these lentil patties are a game changer—simple ingredients come together to create a juicy, wholesome meal that everyone in the family will love.

The image shows a white rectangular tray lined with brown paper on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there are five round, brown crispy patties arranged in a slightly overlapping row. Next to them, on the right, are golden brown roasted potato wedges with a slightly rough texture. Above the patties, there is a small blue and white bowl filled with a creamy white dipping sauce. In front of the patties, there is a round white bowl with blue patterns filled with a colorful fresh salad made of orange, red, green, and yellow vegetable chunks. Two wooden spoons rest on the surface in the upper left corner, and a small clear glass bottle with yellow liquid is seen near the upper center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient brings something special to the table. From the hearty lentils to the fresh cilantro, every component plays a key role in delivering taste, texture, and vibrant color without overwhelming your pantry.

1 ½ cups dried red lentils: These provide the perfect protein punch and a soft texture that binds the burger beautifully.
2 large garlic cloves, minced: Bright and aromatic, garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 large shallot or 1 small onion, small dice (about ⅓ cup): Offers a subtle sweetness and crunch that balances the lentils perfectly.
⅓ cup grated carrots (about 3 small): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a pop of color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Brings richness and a slight tang, tying all the flavors together.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Freshness and a hint of herbal brightness that lift the entire burger.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and boosting all the flavors in the mix.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick and warmth.
Neutral flavored cooking oil (optional): Perfect for pan-frying to get those golden, crispy edges if baking isn’t your style.

How to Make Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Prep the Lentils

Start by soaking your dried red lentils in plenty of water for at least two hours. This soaking step is crucial; it softens the lentils, helping them cook thoroughly and blend effortlessly into a lovely burger base. Once soaked, rinse them well and drain. This step sets the stage for a smooth, cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor

Next, pop the drained lentils, minced garlic, diced shallot, grated carrots, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined but still retain a bit of texture. The goal here is a sticky, malleable consistency that holds together—scrape down the sides as you go to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Shape Your Patties

Using about ¼ cup of the mixture for each patty, shape them into rounds roughly half an inch thick. Don’t worry about getting them perfect — a rustic shape adds to their charm and homemade appeal. These patties are ready to either bake or pan-fry depending on your preference.

Step 4: Cooking Options

Bake: Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes. Flip carefully and bake another 10 minutes until crisp on both sides. This method is fantastic if you want a hands-off approach.

Pan-Fry: Heat a neutral oil in a skillet, enough to reach halfway up the sides of the patties. Fry each patty for about 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Doing this in batches helps avoid overcrowding and ensures even cooking.

How to Serve Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe

A top view of a dark gray frying pan with a wood-textured handle on a white marbled surface, filled with seven round, golden brown falafel patties frying in sizzling oil. Each falafel has a coarse texture with visible small bits of herbs and chickpeas, arranged evenly mainly in a circular pattern around the pan’s center. The oil bubbles gently around them, creating a light shine on the crisp outer layer of the falafel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your lentil burger with all the classics like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, rings of red onion, and maybe even some vegan mayo or mustard for that perfect tang. Fresh herbs like extra cilantro or parsley can add a nice pop of herbal brightness as well.

Side Dishes

Pair these lentil burgers with a fresh side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some oven-roasted potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal. Steamed veggies or a simple coleslaw also bring a delightful contrast to the burger’s texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to mix things up? Try serving your Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe as open-faced sandwiches on toasted whole-grain bread with avocado slices, or turn them into sliders for a fun party appetizer. You can even crumble leftover patties over a grain bowl to add a protein boost to lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, you can store leftover lentil burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during busy weeks.

Freezing

These burgers freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever you need a tasty vegan meal in a flash.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the frozen burgers at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or pop them in a nonstick pan to crisp up again on the stove. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but the texture won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use any type of lentils for this recipe?

Red lentils work best because they cook quickly and break down easily, which gives the burgers their perfect texture. Other lentils might require adjustments in soaking and cooking times and may not bind as well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to serve them with gluten-free buns or sides if you need to keep the meal gluten-free.

Can I make these burgers oil-free?

Absolutely. The recipe includes an optional step for pan-frying with a neutral oil, but baking them instead means you can enjoy them completely oil-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How can I make the burgers spicier?

Feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or some chopped fresh chili to the food processor mix for a bit of heat. You can also experiment with adding ground cumin or chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist.

Can I freeze the patties before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the raw patties laid out on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking or frying time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about homemade lentil burgers that are not only simple to make but also bursting with wholesome flavor. This Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe proves that plant-based eating can be easy, affordable, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family—you might just find a new favorite meal that hits the spot every time.

Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Lentil Burgers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need