Sweet Potato Burgers

The sweet potato burger patties are not just flavorful; they’re a satisfying experience with each bite. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with savory spices, creating a hearty, comforting flavor that’s both light and filling at the same time. The texture is wonderfully soft on the inside with just enough crisp on the outside if you cook them up right—golden brown and slightly caramelized from the pan. Every time I make them, I can’t help but sneak a little taste before they’re even served, because the combination of cumin, paprika, and garlic always seems to hit the spot.

But the real magic happens when you top those patties. I love adding a fresh, tangy slice of avocado or a smear of smoky chipotle mayo to give it that creamy, spicy kick. You can also experiment with other toppings like roasted red peppers or pickled onions, which add layers of flavor and texture, making each bite even more exciting. The best part is, sweet potato burgers are endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re loading them up with your favorite veggies or sticking to the basics, they’re bound to become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Every time I serve them, they disappear faster than I can make them!

Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Burgers

These sweet potato burgers come together beautifully with a handful of key ingredients, each adding its own special touch to the flavor and texture. Let’s break them down:

• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and starchy, sweet potatoes form the heart of the burger patties, giving them that soft, comforting texture and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices.
• Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, helping to hold the burger together while giving it a slightly crisp texture on the outside when cooked.
• Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa adds a boost of protein and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. Plus, it helps to keep the burger hearty and filling.
• Finely Chopped Onion: Onions bring a mild sweetness and savory depth to the mix, helping to round out the flavor of the patties.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings in a savory punch that elevates the entire flavor profile, adding that aromatic richness that makes everything taste so good.
• Ground Cumin: Cumin’s earthy, warm flavor gives the burgers a hint of smokiness, blending perfectly with the other spices.
• Smoked Paprika: This smoky, slightly sweet spice adds complexity and depth, giving the burgers that savory charred flavor without needing to actually grill them.
• Ground Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric brings not only a vibrant golden color but also a subtle warmth that ties the flavors together.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle heat and sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Salt: A simple but essential ingredient to bring out all the flavors, making everything taste more vibrant and balanced.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the patties, ensuring they stay soft and tender on the inside while getting golden and crispy on the outside.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce brings in a savory, umami depth that elevates the flavor of the sweet potatoes, giving the burger a more complex, savory profile.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Ground Flaxseed: This acts as a natural binder, helping to hold the burger together, while adding a bit of fiber and healthy fats.
• Water: Just a little bit of water helps to bring everything together, making sure the mixture isn’t too dry while also making it easier to shape the patties.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a slightly citrusy, herbaceous note that brings the whole dish to life.
• Sesame Seeds: These provide a delightful crunch and a slight nuttiness, enhancing the texture of the burgers.
• Tahini: This creamy sesame paste adds a rich, nutty flavor and moisture, making the patties slightly creamy and smooth on the inside.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour acts as a stabilizer, helping to hold everything together and giving the burgers a little more texture and body.

How to Make Sweet Potato Burgers

STEP 1: Cook the sweet potatoes
Peel and cube 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, leaving just a few chunks for texture.

STEP 2: Cook the quinoa
Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Set aside to cool.

STEP 3: Prepare the aromatics
Finely chop 1 small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

STEP 4: Mix the patty base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper and salt. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra flavor.

STEP 5: Add the fresh herbs and moisture
Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl. Drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of water, depending on the texture of your mixture, and mix everything until well combined. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet.

STEP 6: Shape the patties
With your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into burger-sized patties. You should get about 6-8 patties depending on the size. If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with a little whole wheat flour to make shaping easier.

STEP 7: Coat with sesame seeds
Place sesame seeds on a shallow plate and gently press each patty into the seeds, coating both sides for extra crunch and flavor.

STEP 8: Cook the patties
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

STEP 9: Serve and enjoy!
Once the patties are golden and crispy, serve them on your favorite buns or on a bed of fresh greens. Add toppings like avocado, smoky chipotle mayo, or pickled onions, and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Burgers

On a Bed of Greens
If you’re looking for a lighter, gluten-free option, serve your sweet potato burger on a bed of mixed greens—think arugula, spinach, or a simple spring mix. Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or a zesty lemon vinaigrette for extra freshness. The crunch of the greens paired with the warmth of the patty is the perfect combo!

Wrapped in Lettuce
For a low-carb twist, skip the bun and wrap your sweet potato burger in large, crisp lettuce leaves. It’s like a handheld salad with all the juicy goodness of a burger. I love using butter lettuce or Romaine—both give that crisp, refreshing bite that contrasts so well with the savory patty.

With Sweet Potato Fries
For all you sweet potato lovers out there, why not double up the sweet potato goodness? Serve your burger alongside crispy sweet potato fries, seasoned with a touch of smoked paprika and sea salt. It’s comfort food at its best—slightly sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying!

How to Store Sweet Potato Burgers

If you happen to have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, storing sweet potato burgers is easy, and they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for a few days. To store them in the fridge, simply let the patties cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, and you can easily reheat them in a skillet or microwave whenever you’re ready for a quick meal. The crispy exterior might soften a bit in the fridge, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.

For longer storage, you can freeze the patties, which is a great option for meal prep. Once the patties are completely cooled, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour to firm up. After that, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just pop them in the oven or skillet from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you’ve already topped your burgers with avocado or any other fresh ingredients, I recommend storing the patties and toppings separately to keep everything fresh. You can easily assemble the burgers when you’re ready to serve, keeping that perfect balance of textures intact.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate guide to making the most delicious sweet potato burgers! From the rich, savory flavor of the sweet potatoes to the satisfying crunch of the sesame seeds, these burgers are truly a treat in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy weeknight or serving them up at a weekend gathering, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can switch up the toppings, experiment with different spices, or serve them in a variety of ways to suit your mood.

I’d love to hear what you think once you try this recipe! Maybe you’ve added a personal twist of your own or discovered a new topping combination that’s a game-changer. Feel free to share your thoughts, feedback, or any questions you have about the recipe—I’m always happy to chat about food, and I’m here if you need help along the way.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your homemade sweet potato burgers!

Print Recipe

Sweet Potato Burgers

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 450

Description

These Sweet Potato Burgers are a vibrant, flavorful twist on a classic! With a perfectly crispy outside and a soft, savory interior, they’re packed with earthy sweetness, spices, and fresh toppings that create a satisfying, wholesome bite in every mouthful.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked quinoa

• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• ¹⁄₄ cup tahini

• ¹⁄₄ cup whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
2. Place the sweet potato cubes into a pot and cover them with water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside to cool for a few minutes.
5. While the sweet potatoes are cooling, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
7. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
8. In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth, leaving only small chunks.
9. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes.
10. Stir in the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, black pepper, salt, soy sauce, lemon juice, ground flaxseed, and water.
11. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are fully combined.
12. Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
13. Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the mixture, stirring it in slowly, until the mixture begins to hold together and is easy to shape.
14. Shape the sweet potato mixture into patties about 3-4 inches in diameter, pressing gently to form a firm shape.
15. Heat a non-stick or lightly greased skillet over medium heat.
16. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
17. Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
18. While the patties are cooling slightly, mix the tahini with a little bit of water to achieve a smooth and drizzling consistency.
19. Serve the sweet potato burgers on buns or on their own, topped with a drizzle of tahini sauce, and enjoy.

Note

• For a smoother patty mixture, mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, leaving minimal chunks.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika or cumin.
• For a gluten-free option, swap the breadcrumbs and whole wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or chickpea flour.
• To add more texture, consider mixing in some grated carrots or zucchini with the sweet potatoes.
• The tahini sauce can be seasoned with a bit of garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor.

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