Friends, my palate has grown more and more fond of vegan-friendly eats for a couple years now. But every once in awhile, I’m really craving a burger. Then, my brother’s veganized voice pops in my head (thanks, Brandon!) reminding me how 66 billion animals are slaughtered every year, how meat production contributes to the carbon footprint—you get the picture. Now, I will and still do enjoy the occasional meat, but there’s a new(ish) product in town called Beyond Meat.
That juicy burger in the picture about is 100-percent plant-based. That’s right. It’s vegan. Seriously. Mind blown, right? Could’ve fooled me had I not taken it out of the package myself. This patty even sizzles and bleeds like real meat—don’t worry, it’s just beet juice for color. This is not only a 20-grams of protein patty made from natural plant resources like pea protein, it’s a way healthier alternative to meat whether you’re vegan or not.
This is not an endorsement by any means. I was not paid or reached out to by the company to give Beyond Meat such high praise, but I really want you all to know this exists and I encourage you to check out their website to see what it’s all about. While a veggie burger at some of my favorite local restaurants is great any day, this is honestly a revolutionary product.
Go pick up a package in your local Whole Foods. I have a quick, simple recipe for how I prepared this meal for myself, but you can prepare it however you usually make burgers. It’s perfect for a weeknight after work, as it only takes about 30 minutes time to prepare. These caramelized onions and mushrooms will make you feel like you’re eating at your local burger joint.
Beyond Meat Burger with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
Have you ever seen a veggie burger look so meaty?
Ingredients
- 1 package Beyond Meat burgers
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or white button would both work great)
- 8 fluid ounces your favorite local beer
- salt and pepper
- favorite burger condiments and toppings
Instructions
For the Beyond Burgers
- Season your patties with salt and pepper.
- Just like a normal burger, heat up your frying pan over medium-high heat and throw those burgers in there. Cook about 2-3 min. per side. Remember, it's not real meat, so you just have to get them
For the Onions
- Heat frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a few swirls of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the onions and sauté about 5 min. until translucent.
- Heat frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a few swirls of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the onions and sauté about 5 min. until translucent.
- Sizzle time! Deglaze the pan with 6 oz. of the beer, season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium and simmer about 15-20 min. Onions should get dark in color and super sweet and tender.
- Add in your mushrooms and sauté a few minutes until tender.
- Add in the other 2 oz. beer. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
Assemble!
- Serve your burgers up on toasted buns with the onions, mushrooms, vegan cheese and whatever toppings and condiments you like. I added some smoky barbecue sauce to mine. Enjoy!