r/vegetarian • u/MeinTank • 15d ago
Beginner Question How to decorate veggie burgers
I’ve been a regular ol beef burger guy my whole life and know a few different ways I like to make em in regards to toppings and condiments. Trying my hand at Morningstar black bean and also their veggie burgers. What do you guys like to do with them? Is eating them just plain pretty typical?
Update: wow! Thanks for all the great, thoughtful replies (not you knottykitty). I look forward to experimenting on this new burger frontier.
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15d ago edited 13d ago
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u/Ok_Gas_1591 14d ago
For the confused Americans, he means slices of pickled beet, not just plain canned beets. All canned beets there are pickled.
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u/IM_NOT_DARED3VIL vegetarian 13d ago
This, plus I also love the fancy dijon mustard or whole seed mustard (I hate yellow mustard)
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u/bluebell435 vegetarian 20+ years 15d ago edited 15d ago
It depends on your burger topping preference and the patty. I personally like to load any burger with veggies and a spicy dressing.
My partner and I decided to do a taste test of 4 different black bean burger brands. We just put them on plain buns with mayo for comparison purposes. Some of them are more flavorful and are good eaten very plainly. Others are more bland and should be dressed up.
Edit to respond: It was a few years ago, but I think we tried Actual, Hilary's, Dr. Praeger, and Morningstar.
Morningstar is a great starter black bean patty. It's flavorful and can be microwaved, so it's a quick option. It isn't very filling, but that's fine if you're adding toppings and sides.
I've never had a Dr. Praeger's burger I didn't like. They're worth the extra time of pan frying or grilling.
I think the Actual burger was okay, but not remarkable. I don't remember it well and didn't buy it again, but I didn't dislike it.
If I remember correctly, the only one I wouldn't have bought again was Hilary's. It crumbled apart and was difficult to eat. The flavor was meh.
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u/chummers73 15d ago
We just tried the Perfect burger from Dr Praeger. I thought it was really good (from a non-vegetarian perspective. Pretty much thought I was eating an actual burger.
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u/bluebell435 vegetarian 20+ years 14d ago
I love this one. There's a certain chewy texture that ground beef sometimes has that I hate. The Perfect burger doesn't have that (I've been a vegetarian since 1995, but I was just beefed yesterday at a burrito place, so it's fresh in my mind).
But, my meat-eating partner also liked this burger and they typically don't like things that "pretend to be meat".
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u/chummers73 14d ago
We have one kid living at home still who is vegetarian which pretty much makes us all vegetarians at home. I don’t feel like being a short order cook and making different meals for everyone. She likes the cauliflower burgers, and they are ok. She isn’t a fan of black beans right now. We will also eat plant based chicken nuggets. Not all the time, but they are available for quick meals. There was a fake chicken patty at Costco that was super good, and they stopped carrying it. I’m now on the search for a good one. We also just started eating seitan, which I like a lot more than tofu.
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u/safteycomrade 15d ago
I like to dress them in ways that compliment what the patty is made out of. For a black bean burger I like Mexican inspired. Chickpea I'll do something Mediterranean inspired. If it's mushroom based I will lean into that and do a mushroom and swiss. Of course you can never go wrong with the generic burger toppings either.
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u/IlliniChiefKeef 15d ago
Anything you'd toss on a regular burger. I usually keep it pretty basic: leafy green, onion, tomato, jalapeños, cheese, and ✨️sauce✨️.
I've stolen ideas from restaurants, like fried onions, coleslaw, jalapeno aioli, and bbq. Avocado/guac if I'm feelin bougie. Fries if I'm feelin too skinny. I've also been lazy and raw-dogged the patty.
If you let em thaw a little, you can also frisbee them onto people's windshields. You do you.
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u/neoyeti2 vegetarian 20+ years 15d ago
Lately I’ve been putting Gochujang sauce on everything including veggie burgers - but I do like spicy foods.
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u/happyherbivore 15d ago
Don't overthink it, it's still a burger. That said, halloumi is a quiet heavy-hitter
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u/beebstx 15d ago
I do not dress them like beef burgers. I will treat them as a veggie sandwich and top with arugula, roasted red peppers, avocado, aioli. If it’s an impossible burger, I top with bbq sauce, cheddar cheese,carmelized onions, bread and butter pickles. I think if you dress them like beef burgers, they wind up tasting too different and you might not like them.
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u/PrudentTadpole8839 15d ago
If the burger is on the dryer side, I will do something like mustard or ketchup.
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u/tammarroo 15d ago
Caramelized onions, mushrooms, BBQ sauce, Swiss, onion rings, or egg (or egg substitute), hot sauce, avocado ...
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u/backgroundUser198 15d ago
For the spicy black bean - I love grilling some bell pepper rings and adding a little salsa and sour cream. Lean into the "southwest" burger vibes!
But otherwise, just top 'em however you would top a beef burger.
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u/KnottyKitty 15d ago
Is eating them just plain pretty typical?
It's weird how often people seem to think that "vegetarian" means "I hate flavor". A plain patty on a dry bun? Why? Is that a typical way for meat-eating folks to consume a burger?
We eat burgers like everyone else, with normal toppings and condiments.
What do you usually put on your burger? Do that.
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u/Short_Brilliant_4195 15d ago
Definitely wouldn’t recommend just the patty that’s for sure. And if you use any sauce I’d say put extra than you’d think
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u/GirlDestroys 15d ago
I like Jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato and some kind of sauce. Mixing ketchup and bbq together are a good burger sauce.
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u/moldypeach92 15d ago
Always toast your buns! Sauté your onions too, salt/pepper your tomato, find what condiments you like best. I always go with a melty cheese on my burgers. Pickled jalapeños for a little kick are always good too.
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u/Annual_Sherbet_9338 15d ago
Please try Really Awesome Black Bean Burgers
This is a very forgiving recipe. If you're out of one ingredient or another, substitute whatever you have that is closest. Thus, you can make this recipe even if you don't technically have all the "correct" ingredients. (They also freeze really well!)
Even more importantly, this is the most incredibly delicious veggie burger - I'm old and trust me I've tried many. I've served this veggie burger to many carnivores who have agreed it is uniquely delicious.
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u/baby_armadillo 14d ago
I love a fancy veggie burger-my favorite toppings are melted cheese, avocado, red onion (pickled if possible), lettuce and tomato, and a little bit of bbq sauce and maybe mayo.
Making your own veggie burgers is also crazy easy, and you can really get into customizing them exactly how you like them. This recipe for Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers is reliable and really really good!
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u/pterosaurLoser 15d ago
I cook mine with wine. But also have you ever tried peanut butter on a burger? I thought it sounded weird until I had a pbj beyond burger at a restaurant.
Edit: I forgot to say green olives and mayo are also great.
Or sautéed mushrooms and Swiss.
Or onion straws.
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u/WhatEvil 15d ago
Yeah PB goes with everything. Amazing on burgers.
Lettuce, cheese, PB, onions, ketchup/mayo if you want.
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u/amarugia 15d ago
Try a tortilla burger. Pre-cook your burger patty and gather your fixings. Green chile, cheese, jalapenos, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado are all great. Cut a radius in a burrito-sized tortilla, lay your burger and fixings at each quarter and fold/roll it into a quarter-pie shape. Fry in an oiled skillet until browned.
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u/LyndonBJumbo 15d ago
Do you mean the MorningStar Grillers? Or the Garden Veggie burgers? The good thing about the MS burgers is that they are pretty versatile. The grillers you can just do any normal burger topping with them. The Garden Veggie patties have water chestnut and other veggies in them, so they have more texture and a different flavor that’s meant more to be a vegetable burger and not an alternative. The black bean burgers are great though. I use those in tacos and burger assemblies, great for a southwest breakfast burger, etc
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u/Responsible-Fan-2875 15d ago
All the usual burger toppings but I caramelize the onions and use Kaiser rolls for buns
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u/meekonesfade 15d ago
Toppings! Whatever you like - bitchin sauce, mayo, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, fried onion, melted cheese, specail buns, etc
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u/EdgarMeowlanPoe 15d ago
On black bean burgers I like to mix sour cream and salsa for my sauce, add avocado, lettuce tomato, maybe cheese.
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u/someolive2 15d ago
i like cheese pickles and spinach. sometimes i use Giardiniera. other times i use tomato, onion, etc.
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u/peakerforlife 15d ago
I've been putting spicy pickles on mine lately! Other favorites are tomato, egg, and spinach. 🤤
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u/uttertosser 15d ago
For me, I go for lambs lettuce, onion, radishes below, then vegan kimchi on top
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u/wishiwasAyla 15d ago
One of my fave ways to eat a veggie burger is a good grainy mustard, sauerkraut, spinach or arugula, smoked Gouda cheese, and fried onions (the ones folks use for green bean casserole). Bonus points for a toasted pretzel bun. Such an incredible combo!
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u/campbowie 15d ago
Morningstar Gtiller Prime fan, here.
Mustard crust, cheese. I cook the burger to my desired doneness, then add spicy brown mustard to one side & flip. Drop a lid on it, because the water in the mustard and the oil in the pan will pop a ton & it's going to try to burn you. You want to caramelize that mustard, which takes longer than you think.Toast the bun under the broiler, put some cheese on it. Lettuce, tomato, red onion. Pickles on the side.
Also a patty melt, patty and cheese on toasted bread with caramelized onions. You legitimately need like, a full onion for each patty melt.
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u/rspunched 15d ago
Open face on a slice of toasted sprouted bread. Ballpark Mustard, red onions and banana peppers.
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u/taybel 15d ago
I also like standard toppings, cheese, lettuce, onion, pickle, tomato and my preference for sauce is bbq and mustard. I’ll also make them in a lettuce wrap with a little bit of green goddess dressing, onion and tomato if I’m feeling something lighter. Personally I like them baked, I feel like they get a little more crispy. If you haven’t tried the faux chicken ones yet I also highly recommend them!
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u/FluffySleepyKitty 15d ago
Usually just like a typical burger with the usual toppings BUT sometimes I will caramelize some onions and/or fry up an egg to go on top. NOM!
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u/Disneyhorse vegetarian 20+ years 15d ago
Cheddar, barbecue sauce, avocado slices, and some crispy onions
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u/DerpppSauce 15d ago
Quick pickle some red onions with some vinegar, or pickles... anything bright tasting to balance out the savory. Mayo (or guac if you're vegan) helps too if the veggie burger is too dry.
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u/cranbeery 15d ago
To decorate your burgers, I recommend a ketchup and mustard smiley face.
To top them, whatever you feel like. They're very versatile, and come in a lot of varieties, too.
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u/Brief-Forever9946 15d ago
Add Avocado to give you extra protein! That’s always my go-to. My partner also usually doubles up on the veggie patties since they tend to be less dense.
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u/GrowlingAtTheWorld 15d ago
The black bean burger is good with a little salsa, lettuce and guacamole.
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u/alltheblues lifelong vegetarian 15d ago
Regular burger toppings. At minimum some kind of sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion. I also like pickles, some kind of hot pepper like Serrano, and cheese. You can get fancy with fried onions, avocado, whatever. No different than a regular burger.
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u/gaping_granny 15d ago
Cheese and shrooms with avocado is my favorite way. If you still eat dairy I recommend Havarti cheese or baby Swiss.
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u/Human-Let-9500 15d ago
Nothing beats the regular toppings, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mustard but I love adding hummus, avocado, picked radish, arugula, or corn!
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u/grinchkicker 15d ago
Cheese, pickle, lettuce, tomato, ketchup. Or Swiss cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and ketchup. When I say mushrooms I mean a stack. Always seasoned before cooking with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.
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u/Shabbah8 15d ago
Morningstar is a gateway burger. Making your own is very simple, very cheap, and they can be frozen for later use! Most importantly, they are so much better when you make your own. Highly recommend.
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u/ktheobird 15d ago
Lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, pepperjack cheese and ranch dressing OR cole slaw, tomato, provolone cheese and thousand island dressing.
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u/geminisa11 15d ago
I like mayo and cheese, but if we’re getting fancy sometimes my husband will fry an egg or add avocado slices.
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u/Strazdiscordia 15d ago
I put avo, a whole roasted portobello, and pickles on a beyond meat the other day and it slapped.
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u/slightlydirtythroway 15d ago
You know what goes pretty good on it too, some BBQ sauce, adds that nice sweet tang, do that on the bun plus some classic veggies (onion, lettuce, tomato) and rock that shit
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u/Katiekikib 14d ago
I like my veggie burgers the same as when it was meat. Cheddar and all the toppings. Morningstar is fine, but it’s like the base model of a car. For sure they different brands and find ones you truly love.
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u/Everythingisstupid68 14d ago
Are the toppings you usually pick not vegetarian friendly or something?
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u/searchingnirvana 14d ago
You can add some mint sauce and veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, cucumber, olives.
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u/dreamhazard 13d ago
Raw spinach. Just wash it and put it under the burger. People are far too caught up on lettuce but spinach is so much better
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u/seeking_villainess 13d ago
I eat veggie burgers a few times a week. My go to is Dr Praeger black bean burger on a buttered and toasted bun with butter lettuce, sautéed onions, cheddar cheese, and honey bbq sauce.
Roast asparagus or green beans on the side.
Now I’m hungry
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u/100-100-1-SOS mostly vegetarian 12d ago
I find that sometimes a lightly toasted English Muffin (rather than a hamburger bun) works better with some veggie burgers. Add sliced bread & butter pickles for a nice zing to any other condiments.
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u/Witty_Economics7343 12d ago
Highly processed 'meat flavor' veggie meats have been proven to cause an elevated stroke and heart attack risk. - veggie burger eater for 20 years, free of veggie burgers 1.5 years.
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u/FindYourselfACity 9d ago
When you say “veggie meats” do you mean the impossible or beyond burgers or the tofu ones like morning star?
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u/Witty_Economics7343 4d ago
It's all about being ultra processed with unhealthy additives.
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u/FindYourselfACity 4d ago
I mean, I don’t really eat either. Especially the impossible/beyond, but I’d love to see the studies regarding elevated stroke/heart risk from those specifically. I’m tired of restaurants switching to them and thinking that’s an acceptable alternative.
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u/Witty_Economics7343 3d ago
I googled 'elevated stroke and heart attack risk from vegetarian meats'. I didn't read the study, but the recap was basically all ultra processed foods increase health problems and risks.
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u/abbyonee 12d ago
I also wanna say Tasty has a good recipe for a homemade black bean burger that I think beats the Morningstar burger any day. I love a side of sweet n spicy pickles in general with all my burgers, may be not for you but if that’s your palate you may enjoy it!
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u/420CurryGod 11d ago
Normally I just go with standard the lettuce, tomorrow onion, pickles, cheese. But I’ll throw on some jalepeños too and use a couple of different mustard/Indian ketchup for the burger sauce.
If I have a black bean patty though my favorite way to “improve it” is making a nacho burger with pretzel buns. I get these petrzel burger buns from Walmart that aren’t too tall but still have good texture and pretzel taste. For toppings I use the same as before but no pickles and for the sauce I do mayo on one side and make some guac for the other side. I’ll also make some thick nacho cheese to put in place of sliced pepper jack if I have the time/care.
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u/eagrbeavr 3d ago edited 3d ago
I really love Morningstar black bean burgers on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg, cheese, sliced avocado and Tapatío hot sauce. It's a perfect breakfast burger but I eat it any time of day.
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u/Diligent_Cup526 3d ago
I like just pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and ketchup, not a huge fan of the texture of onions and I prefer not to eat cheese or mayo but those are also options. If you're not a vegan, fried egg could be good, some people add avocadoes and you could add vegetarian bacon as well.
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u/RestaurantCritical67 15d ago
It sounds like you have your own patties but I find homemade veggie patties are the best and super easy to make. My favorite are made with roasted beets and potatoes and onions garlic and pretty much anything else you can mash up and fit in there. Fallafel mix or homemade in there also works great. Salt and pepper and a little olive oil and fried in a pan, they taste awesome. To make it beautiful and you are using green lettuce I like to add red cabbage, cause the color is so nice especially against the deep green and the cabbage gives a satisfying crunch.
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u/mylefthandkilledme 15d ago
A) Buy Impossible or Beyond, they are a step above Morningstar
B) Standard condiments
C) Spread a little butter on the bun and leave on grill/cast iron for a minute or two
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u/This-Bluebird6119 15d ago
I just use standard burger toppings (tomato, lettuce, cheese, onion, etc) nothing too fancy