This insanely good falafel burger is easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavor! Smother in sauce for an epic vegetarian or vegan dinner.

Oh hello. Meet our favorite vegetarian and vegan dinner recipe: the Falafel Burger! We don’t always have the energy to fry up a batch of authentic falafel. So eating it in burger form is the next best thing! These are easy to make with canned chickpeas. The combination of a cumin and coriander-scented chickpea patty with cool cucumber sauce and all the fixin’s is pretty darn epic. It’s a healthy vegetarian and vegan dinner recipe that everyone loves.

Why make falafel burgers?

These falafel burgers are much easier to whip up than our classic falafel sandwich. That sandwich is full of beautiful, authentic flavor: but it does require some thinking ahead. This one is a little easier! Here’s why to make falafel in burger form:

• You can use canned chickpeas! No need to soak dried chickpeas overnight. This means you can make it with little to no advanced planning (a big plus in our book).
• Easy to shape. The patties are much easier to shape than the balls with traditional falafel: and you only have to make four!
• No messy frying! Authentic falafel requires frying, which can be a little tricky. These falafel burgers need just a quick and easy fry with a drizzle of oil, then they’re finished in the oven.

Ingredients in falafel burgers

This falafel burger is a great healthy dinner idea when you’re cooking for many diets! It’s vegetarian and vegan, and you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Here’s what you need to make a killer falafel burger:

• Canned chickpeas: you can also use cooked chickpeas (try our stovetop or Instant Pot methods)
• Carrot
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Cilantro or parsley, if you have a cilantro aversion!
• Flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Spices: Cumin, coriander, salt and pepper
• Neutral oil

Use a food processor or make them by hand

The main idea behind these falafel burgers: puree the ingredients to make a “dough”, form into patties, lightly pan fry them, then bake. There are two options for making the dough:

• Food processor: This is our preferred method because it’s quick and easy. We have a large-sized food processor, which works great for a single or double batch (more about doubling it below).
• By hand: You can also make the falafel burgers by hand if you don’t have a food processor. It takes a little longer, but you’ll mash the chickpeas with a fork, then grate all the vegetables.

Falafel sauce: 3 options!

There are several falafel sauce options that are authentic for serving with falafel. There are options for both vegetarian and vegan diets! Here’s a little breakdown:

• Yogurt sauce: This yogurt-based Cucumber Sauce or Dill Sauce are quick and easy to whip up, and traditionally served on a falafel sandwich.
• Tahini sauce: This Lemon Tahini Sauce is vegan and plant-based, and also traditional for serving with falafel. You could also add some chopped fresh dill for an herby punch.
• Cilantro sauce: A green Cilantro Sauce is also traditional! This one is made with cashews and is another vegan option. Zhoug is another green sauce made with olive oil and herbs that’s served with falafel in Israel.

Make a double batch: they refrigerate and freeze well!

The great thing about these falafel burgers is that they store very well! Consider making a double batch and saving them for easy meals. Since they take about 45 minutes start to finish, we like to double it so we have leftovers. Here’s storage info for falafel burgers:

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can reheat in a 350 degree oven if you’d like, or eat them cold or room temperature.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. The freeze well! Just thaw in the refrigerator or reheat in a 350 degree oven.

What to serve with falafel burgers?

Making a meal to impress a crowd and need some sides for these falafel burgers? Here’s what we’d recommend:

• Greek Salad This authentic Greek salad is packed with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, salty feta cheese, and briny olives.
• Simple Carrot Salad Fresh and healthy, with a tangy vinaigrette dressing!
• Creamy Cucumber Salad The silky sauce with dill and shallots brings an irresistible flavor.
• Baked Fries or Baked Avocado Fries A classic combo!
• Easy Arugula Salad The simplest salad you’ll make.
• Celery Salad with Apples A uniquely refreshing salad with celery, apple and Parmesan.

This falafel burger recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and serve without a bun or with a GF bun.

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More veggie burger recipes

Veggie burgers are so satisfying! Here are a few more veggie burger recipes to try:

• Portobello Mushroom Burger Grilled or roasted! Savory and meaty, it’s irresistible with cheese and special sauce.
• Best Veggie Burger Slathered with barbecue sauce, it doesn’t fall apart on the grill!
• Best Chickpea Burgers A hugely satisfying vegan dinner! Topped with vegan bacon and spicy mayo.
• Vegan Black Bean Burger Supremely tasty black bean burger made with sweet potato! It’s gluten-free, too.

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes