Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties

Featured in: Southern Comfort

These hearty black-eyed pea burger patties deliver satisfying texture and rich flavor in just 30 minutes. The combination of mashed legumes, grated vegetables, and smoky paprika creates a robust base that holds together beautifully whether baked or pan-fried. Each patty offers 7 grams of protein while remaining completely vegan-friendly.

The preparation comes together quickly—simply mash the peas, mix with aromatic vegetables and seasonings, shape into patties, and cook. The result is a satisfying centerpiece perfect for burger night or served alongside fresh salad. Make ahead friendly and easily customizable with your favorite spices.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:25:20 GMT
Golden-brown Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are baked until firm and placed on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices.  Save
Golden-brown Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are baked until firm and placed on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices. | dashofstates.com

These Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are a hearty and flavorful plant-based alternative that will satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With a base of mashed legumes and fresh vegetables, they offer a nutritious and protein-packed meal that is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Golden-brown Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are baked until firm and placed on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices.  Save
Golden-brown Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are baked until firm and placed on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices. | dashofstates.com

The combination of smoky paprika, fresh parsley, and grated carrots gives these patties a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with any burger topping. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weekday dinner, these patties are a reliable and tasty choice.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (250 g) cooked black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed if canned)
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (flax egg)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, pinch of chili flakes
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat for frying.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mash the black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Step 4
Add onion, garlic, carrot, parsley, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, flax egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins. Mix thoroughly until combined.
Step 5
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
Step 6
For baking: Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm.
Step 7
For frying: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until crisp and browned.
Step 8
Serve on buns with your favorite toppings or alongside salad.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. This helps them set and makes them even easier to handle when frying or baking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For gluten-free patties, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before shaping the patties.

Serviervorschläge

These burgers are great served with vegan mayo, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun. For a lighter meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or with a side of sweet potato fries.

A close-up of a Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patty resting on a ceramic plate, garnished with chopped parsley and a side of crisp sweet potato fries.  Save
A close-up of a Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patty resting on a ceramic plate, garnished with chopped parsley and a side of crisp sweet potato fries. | dashofstates.com

With only 180 calories per patty and 7 grams of protein, these Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties are a wholesome and satisfying addition to your plant-based diet. Enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of these easy-to-make vegetarian burgers!

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Recipe FAQ

Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes, soak and cook dried black-eyed peas according to package directions until tender. Drain thoroughly before mashing, as excess moisture can prevent the patties from holding together properly.

What keeps these patties from falling apart?

The combination of mashed peas creating a sticky base, breadcrumbs as a binder, and the flax egg mixture helps hold everything together. Letting the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping also improves structure.

Can I freeze these uncooked patties?

Absolutely. Shape the patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

What toppings work best with these?

Classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion complement the hearty patties beautifully. Vegan mayo, avocado, or caramelized onions add rich contrast. The mild flavor profile also pairs well with spicy condiments.

Can I grill these outdoors?

Yes, but handle carefully. Pre-chill the shaped patties for 30 minutes to firm them up. Brush the grill lightly with oil and use a spatula to flip gently. Alternatively, use a grill basket or foil to prevent sticking and breakage.

How do I know when they're done cooking?

Baked patties should feel firm and spring back when touched, with golden-brown edges. Pan-fried versions develop a crisp crust on both sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety, though the plant-based nature makes them more forgiving than meat burgers.

Black-Eyed Pea Burger Patties

Hearty plant-based patties with mashed black-eyed peas, herbs, and spices for a satisfying vegetarian meal baked or pan-fried to golden perfection.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

Legumes

01 1.5 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 0.5 small onion, finely diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 small carrot, grated
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Binders & Seasonings

01 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
02 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
03 5 tablespoons water
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ins

01 0.5 teaspoon cumin
02 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
03 Pinch of chili flakes

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes until thickened.

Phase 02

Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F or heat a skillet over medium heat for pan-frying.

Phase 03

Mash Legumes: In a large mixing bowl, mash black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture intact.

Phase 04

Combine Ingredients: Add diced onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, breadcrumbs, prepared flax egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings to the mashed peas. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Phase 05

Shape Patties: Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Phase 06

Bake Patties: Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden and firm.

Phase 07

Pan-Fry Alternative: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4 to 5 minutes per side until crispy and deeply browned.

Phase 08

Serve: Transfer cooked patties to serving plates. Serve on burger buns with preferred toppings or alongside fresh salad.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Baking sheet or skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl
  • Parchment paper

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten if using standard breadcrumbs
  • May contain soy in certain vegan product substitutes
  • Verify all pre-packaged ingredients for potential allergen cross-contamination

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 7 g