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Bulgur Veggie Burgers with Lime Mayonnaise

This satisfying vegetarian main offers a nutritious and flavourful alternative to traditional meat patties. Combining bulgur wheat with earthy walnuts and pinto beans, these burgers provide a wonderful texture that holds up beautifully on the grill. The addition of aromatic coriander, cumin, and a hint of cayenne pepper creates a deep, savoury profile that is perfectly balanced by a bright, citrusy dressing.

A brilliant choice for a weekend barbecue or a healthy midweek dinner, these homemade veggie burgers are best served open-faced on toasted multi-grain bread. The zesty lime mayonnaise adds a refreshing creamy finish that elevates the whole dish. Serve with crisp lettuce and sliced seasonal tomatoes for a simple yet sophisticated meat-free meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Bulgur Veggie Burgers with Lime Mayonnaise

  • 120ml chopped onion, divided

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus additional for brushing

  • 120ml bulgur

  • 240ml water

  • 240ml canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 180ml walnuts (70g)

  • 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

  • 1/2 cup packed coriander sprigs

  • 3/4 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne

  • 60ml mayonnaise

  • 1/4 teaspoons grated lime zest

  • 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

  • 4 slices multi-grain bread,toasted

  • Equipment: a perforated grill sheet

  • Accompaniments: lettuce

  • sliced tomato

How to make Bulgur Veggie Burgers with Lime Mayonnaise

Cook half of onion with 1/4 teaspoons salt in oil in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add bulgur and water and cook, covered, over low heat until water is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in beans and soy sauce.

Pulse bulgur mixture, walnuts, garlic, coriander, cumin, cayenne, a rounded 1/4 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoons pepper, and remaining onion in a food processor until finely chopped.

Form rounded 120ml mixture into 4 (31/2-inch-diameter) patties. Chill at least 10 minutes.

While patties chill, stir together mayonnaise, zest, and juice.

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium heat for gas). Put perforated grill sheet on grill and preheat 10 minutes.

Brush patties all over with oil.

Oil grill sheet, then grill burgers on grill sheet, covered only if using a gas grill, carefully turning once, until golden brown, about 8 minutes total.

Serve burgers open-faced on toast with lime mayonnaise.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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