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5 from 1 vote

Caramelized Onions on Black Rice Veggie Burgers

Easy black rice veggie burgers with caramelized onions is a winning meal. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Servings: 8 veggie burgers
Author: Letty | @lettyskitchen

Ingredients

For the caramelized onions:

  • 1 tablespoon avocado or grapeseed oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil , optional
  • 3 to 4 onions , thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown rice miso or other dark miso
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Veggie Burgers:

  • 2 cups cooked black rice
  • 1 cup cooked butternut squash , diced in ½-inch (or smaller) chunks
  • ¼ cup cooked shelled edamame
  • 3 eggs , lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup whole grain bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons tamari soy sauce , or to taste
  • avocado or grapeseed oil as needed
  • sharp cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

Caramelize the onions:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add the oil. When the oil is warm enough to swirl around the pan add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown.
  • Cover, lower the heat and cook, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat even more if the onions start to burn on the edges; you want them to become very soft.
  • Keeping the flame low, remove the cover. Cook, the slower the better, stirring frequently, until the onions reduce and caramelize, at least 30 minutes.
  • Dissolve the miso in the water. Set aside.
  • Stir the miso and mirin into the onions. Do not let the miso boil. Add more water as needed to keep the onions slightly wet. Finish with a generous amount of black pepper.

While the onions cook, form and pan-fry the burgers:

  • Mix the rice, squash, edamame, eggs and breadcrumbs in a bowl, smashing everything together. season with the tamari to taste. Divide into 8 portions. Press into patties using a cutter or mold about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Pre-heat oven to 200°F. In a large skillet over medium high flame, heat a tablespoon or so of oil until it shimmers. Cook the burgers in 2 batches, 4 at a time. Using a wide spatula, gently slide the patties into the pan. (If an edge breaks off, press it back into the patty.)
  • Cook about 5 minutes, and then carefully turn them over to cook the other side. When the patties are brown on both sides, transfer to a plate and keep warm in the pre-heated oven. Repeat with the second batch.
  • If you wish, top with slices of cheese to melt. Serve with a dollop of warm caramelized onions.