Spicy Mushroom Black Bean Fritters are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that I absolutely love. These fritters combine roasted shiitake mushrooms, black beans, quinoa, and a blend of spices that create a crispy outside and tender inside. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a tasty snack, these fritters will satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

This dish is packed with benefits that will make you want to whip it up right away. First, it’s a savory spicy mushroom black bean dish that is both filling and nutritious. Second, it features black beans, which are known for their health benefits, including high fiber and protein content. Third, the use of shiitake mushrooms adds a unique flavor profile, making it a flavorful mushroom black bean option. Additionally, this recipe is gluten-free and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs. You can easily transform these fritters into a vegan spicy mushroom black bean recipe, and they are perfect for meal prepping!

Ingredients for Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

Gather these items:

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped (no bigger than ~1/2” pieces)
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (~1 cup or 160 g)
2 Tbsp avocado oil (plus more for cooking)
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (or chickpea flour as substitute)
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (omit if sensitive to spice)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend (or all-purpose flour if not gluten-free)
1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
Sweet potato rice
Avocado crema, creamy jalapeño sauce, or guacamole
Cilantro

How to Make Spicy Mushroom Black Bean Step-by-Step

Step 1: If you don’t already have cooked and cooled quinoa, prepare it now by cooking 1/3 cup dry quinoa to yield about 1 cup cooked. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the drained and rinsed black beans, chopped shiitake mushrooms, and diced red onion on the sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and toss well to coat. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (or chickpea flour) with 1/4 cup water. Stir and set aside to thicken.
Step 4: Add the roasted mushroom and black bean mixture to the bowl with the flax/chickpea mixture. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly, smashing some black beans to help bind. Stir in 1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend and 1 cup cooked quinoa until combined. The mixture should be slightly tacky but moldable. Adjust texture with extra flour if too wet or a splash of water if too dry.
Step 5: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, form the mixture into 8 patties about 1/2 inch thick each. Heat a large rimmed skillet (ideally cast iron) over medium heat and add a light coating of oil.
Step 6: Fry the patties in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 7: For extra crispy fritters, transfer them to the 400°F (204°C) oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the fritters hot with optional sweet potato rice and garnishes such as cilantro, avocado crema, creamy jalapeño sauce, or guacamole.
Step 9: Store leftover fritters in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake from frozen at 350°F (176°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

Keep these in mind:

These fritters are versatile and can be served as a main or side dish.
Adjust spice levels according to your preference to create a hot mushroom black bean variation.
Add more vegetables to the mixture for extra nutrition, making it a healthy spicy mushroom black bean option.
For an even quicker meal, prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge.

Best Ways to Serve Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

These fritters are delicious on their own but can be paired with:

Sweet potato rice for a hearty meal.
Avocado crema for a creamy texture.
As spicy black bean and mushroom tacos with your favorite toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

To keep your fritters fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake from frozen at 350°F (176°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This makes them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Mushroom Black Bean

What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Mushroom Black Bean?

The secret lies in roasting the mushrooms and beans to enhance their flavors. It’s crucial to get that golden brown exterior that adds a delightful crunch!

Can I make Spicy Mushroom Black Bean ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just fry or bake them when you’re ready to serve!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Mushroom Black Bean?

Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet when forming the patties. Adjust with flour as needed. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure even cooking.

Variations of Spicy Mushroom Black Bean You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Make a spicy mushroom black bean burger recipe by using larger patties.
Add diced bell peppers or sweet corn for extra crunch and flavor.
Try it as a spicy mushroom black bean soup by adding vegetable broth and blending.
Serve as a vegetarian spicy mushroom black bean salad over greens with a zesty dressing.