You know that moment when you really want a burger but also kinda want a salad? Enter: the Deconstructed Vegan Burger Bowl – aka, all the best parts of a burger, minus the bun, but still ridiculously satisfying. Crispy roasted potatoes (because fries belong in the equation), juicy plant-based patties, crunchy lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles (obviously), and a dreamy, creamy burger sauce drizzled over everything. It’s like your fave fast-food order got a glow-up – healthier, fresher, and just as drool-worthy.
Perfect for Fakeaway Friday, lazy weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to trick your brain into thinking you’re eating a burger while actually loading up on veggies.
What is a deconstructed burger bowl?
A deconstructed burger bowl is basically a burger without the bun – all the classic burger ingredients, but served in a bowl, making it a bit lighter and easier to eat! Instead of a traditional burger on a bun, you get crispy roasted potatoes (or fries), juicy plant-based patties, fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions, and all the best toppings like avocado or cheese (vegan, of course), all tossed together with a drool-worthy burger sauce. It’s like a salad meets a burger, without sacrificing any of the satisfying flavours you love! Perfect for anyone who wants the burger experience but is looking for a healthier, carb-light twist.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Crunchy lettuce (like romaine, gem or ice burg)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Burger pickles
- Store-bought vegan burger patties (alternatively see my recipe below to make your own)
- Vegan unsweetened yoghurt (or vegan mayonnaise if you’d prefer)
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ketchup or tomato sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Celtic sea salt
- Olive oil
- Potatoes
Can I use store-bought vegan patties instead of making them?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought vegan patties instead of making them from scratch (I mean, this is the ultimate lazy girl dinner hack and I’m here for it)! They’re a convenient and time-saving option. Simply cook the patties according to the package instructions and add them to your deconstructed vegan burger bowl. It’s a quick way to enjoy a tasty burger bowl without any extra prep. You can even customise the toppings and sauce to make it your own!
Step-by-Step: How to make butterbean burger patties
- Mash the butter beans: Drain and rinse a can of butter beans, then mash them in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. You want the mixture to be mostly smooth but still have some texture, so leave a few chunks for added bite.
- Add the ingredients: To the mashed butter beans, add 1/2 cup of sweet corn, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, and season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty with your hands. If the mixture feels too wet, add more rolled oats until it firms up enough to hold its shape.
- Cook the patties: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the patties into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Alternatively, use an air fryer to cook them by lightly spritzing with olive oil for crispiness.
Handy Tips
- Texture tip: If the mixture is too loose, add more breadcrumbs or rolled oats until you get a firm enough texture to form patties.
- Flavour boost: Add chopped herbs like parsley or coriander, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to the mixture for an extra burst of flavour. You can also fry off the garlic and onion first to caramelise them before adding them to the mixture.
- Make them crispy: For a crunchier outside, lightly coat the patties with breadcrumbs or ground rolled oats before cooking.
- Meal prep: These patties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Just reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I skip the patties entirely?
Yes, if you’re not feeling the patties or want a lighter option, you can skip them! You can use grilled veggies, crumbled tofu, store-bought vegan mince, roasted chickpeas, or even a hearty bean salad as the protein base. There are plenty of ways to keep your deconstructed burger bowl filling and tasty without the patties.
Can I add something spicy to the bowl?
If you love a little heat, you’re in luck! You can spice up your burger bowl by adding jalapeños, chilli flakes, or a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce like sriracha or chipotle mayo. You can also mix some spicy mustard into your burger sauce to give it a nice zing and a kick of heat.
Lazy girl hacks for this Deconstructed Vegan Burger Bowl
- Use Pre-Made Vegan Patties: Save time by grabbing some store-bought vegan patties – no need to cook from scratch! Just heat them up, chop ’em into pieces, and toss ’em in your bowl. Quick and easy!
- Swap Fresh Veggies for Pre-Cut Ones: Skip the chopping and grab pre-cut veggies like pre-sliced tomatoes and pre-chopped lettuce. You’ll cut down your prep time by at least several minutes!
- Buy Store-Bought Burger Sauce: Why spend time making a sauce when you can grab a jar of vegan burger sauce or vegan mayo from the store? Just drizzle and go!
- Microwave Your Patty: Skip the pan and just microwave your frozen patties to save time. A couple of minutes, and you’re done!
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: If you know you’ll be craving this bowl throughout the week, prep the patties and toppings ahead of time. Store them in containers, and just toss everything together when you’re hungry.
- Use Leftovers for the Base: Have leftover fries, roasted veggies, or rice? Throw them in as the base for your burger bowl to save time and make it extra filling!
- No-Cook Base Option: Skip cooking anything entirely and use pre-made salad greens, quinoa, or even coleslaw mix for a no-fuss base.
More recipes you might like
Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes, Avocado and Pickled Onions
Smokey Beetroot and Black Bean Burgers
Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Burgers
Vegan Chicken Gyros
Vegan Zucchini Fritters
Deconstructed Vegan Burger Bowl
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These deconstructed vegan burger bowls are the ultimate no-fuss, customisable meal that packs all the burger flavours into a fresh and vibrant bowl. With crispy patties, crunchy veggies, and a tangy sauce, it’s the perfect plant-based twist on a classic favourite – without the bun!
Ingredients
- Butterbean Burger Patties
400 grams Butter Beans
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 cup Corn Kernels
1/4 cup Red Onion, diced
1 tbsp Tamari or Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup Rolled Oats
1 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Oregano
1 tbsp Flaxseed
2 tbsp Water (for flaxseed egg)
Celtic Sea Salt, to taste
1 tbsp Olive Oil, for frying
- Burger Sauce
1/2 cup Unsweetened Coconut Yoghurt (or vegan mayonnaise)
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Ketchup or Tomato Sauce
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- Remaining Ingredients
2 cups Lettuce
1/4 Red Onion, sliced
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
10 Burger Pickles
2 Large White Potatoes, chopped
1 tbsp Olive Oil, for frying potato chips
1/2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt, for chips
Directions
- Cut potatoes into fries or wedges, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Prepare the butterbean patties by mixing all prepared ingredients into a bowl. Using a fork, potato masher or your hands, roughly mash ingredients together. Prepare the flaxseed egg by mixing water into the ground flaxseed. Set aside for a minute or two, then add into the patty mix and combine.
- Shape patties into 4-6 round patties. Heat a pan over medium heat with olive oil and pan fry each burger patty for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden and heated through. Set aside.
- Prepare the burger sauce by combining coconut yoghurt and the rest of the ingredients. Add water to thin until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Prepare the fresh veggies for your bowl, by chopping the lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes and thinly slicing the red onion. Set aside.
- Assemble your bowl by starting with your potato fries, placing on one half of the bowl. Add lettuce on the other side of the bowl. Add onion, cherry tomatoes, butterbean patty and burger pickles. Drizzle over burger sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you are making the butterbean burger patties please note these will make more than two patties, so you will have leftover patties in this recipe for another meal or to freeze
