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Vegan Big Mac Recipe

The classic Big Mac has been a fast food icon for decades, but you don’t need to compromise your plant-based lifestyle to enjoy a delicious Big Mac. This Vegan Big Mac replicates the famous flavors of the iconic burger with a cruelty-free twist, using plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic fast food experience or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make a vegan version of the Big Mac, from the special sauce to the homemade vegan patties, and everything in between. We’ve optimized this recipe for flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s a perfect option for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

To make your Vegan Big Mac, you’ll need the following ingredients. The list includes everything from the burger patties to the special sauce that makes this burger unforgettable.

For the Special Sauce:

  • ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • A pinch of salt (to taste)

For the Vegan Patties:

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (preferably gluten-free, if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (as an egg replacer)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Burger Assembly:

  • 3 soft burger buns (preferably sesame seed buns)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 small tomato, sliced into thin rings
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced into rings
  • 6-8 dill pickle slices (preferably sandwich-style)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Vegan Special Sauce

The secret to the Big Mac’s iconic taste is its creamy, tangy special sauce. Making your own vegan Big Mac sauce is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes.

  1. In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
  2. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired (more relish for sweetness, more mustard for tang).
  4. Cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegan Patties

The vegan patties are the heart of the Vegan Big Mac. You want a patty that’s firm enough to hold up under the weight of the sauce, veggies, and bun, while still being juicy and flavorful.

  1. Start by making your flax egg. In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick and gel-like.
  2. In a food processor or large mixing bowl, mash the black beans until mostly smooth but still with some texture. This will help the patties stick together while also maintaining a hearty bite.
  3. Add the cooked quinoa or rice to the mashed beans. This adds a great texture and makes the patties more filling.
  4. Stir in the breadcrumbs, flax egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.
  5. Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and form each into a patty.
  6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and warm throughout. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Assembling the Vegan Big Mac

Now that the sauce and patties are ready, it’s time to assemble the Vegan Big Mac.

  1. Slice the burger buns into three parts: top, middle (which will be your middle bun), and bottom. You’ll be using an extra piece of bun for the middle layer, just like the classic Big Mac.
  2. Toast the bun slices lightly in a pan or toaster for added texture.
  3. Start by spreading a generous amount of the prepared special sauce on the bottom bun.
  4. Layer on some shredded lettuce, followed by a slice of tomato.
  5. Add the first vegan patty on top, then place the middle bun slice (the one without the top) on top of the patty.
  6. Spread a little more special sauce on the middle bun slice, followed by another layer of lettuce, pickles, and red onion.
  7. Place the second vegan patty on top and finish it with the top bun.
  8. Gently press down to hold everything together, then serve immediately with a side of fries or your favorite salad.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Vegan Big Mac:

  1. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add other veggies such as avocado, cucumber, or bell peppers to give your Vegan Big Mac an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
  2. Make it Gluten-Free: To make the Vegan Big Mac gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs. You can also substitute rice or quinoa for the filler ingredients.
  3. Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the vegan patties in advance and freeze them for later use. Just wrap each patty individually and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them and cook as instructed.
  4. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some hot sauce to your special sauce or top the burger with jalapeños for an extra kick.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

The Vegan Big Mac is not only a delicious meal, but it also offers a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal option for anyone following a plant-based diet. Below is the approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving (1 burger).

  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Protein: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Potassium: 700mg
  • Iron: 3mg
  • Calcium: 80mg

Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, such as the specific brand of vegan mayo or bread.

Why Choose a Vegan Big Mac?

The Vegan Big Mac offers the same iconic flavors as the traditional version but with a compassionate twist. Choosing plant-based meals like this one can reduce your environmental impact, improve your overall health, and help support animal welfare. Moreover, making a vegan version of a fast food classic allows you to indulge in your cravings without the guilt.

Key Benefits of this Recipe:

  1. Healthier Alternative: With plant-based ingredients, the Vegan Big Mac is a healthier option compared to the original Big Mac, which contains higher levels of saturated fat and cholesterol from meat and dairy.
  2. Sustainable Eating: Plant-based meals have a smaller carbon footprint than animal products, helping reduce the environmental impact of food production.
  3. Versatile Recipe: You can adapt this Vegan Big Mac to suit your dietary preferences, including gluten-free, soy-free, and low-carb versions.
  4. Packed with Nutrients: This recipe is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats from quinoa, black beans, and olive oil, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

Final Thoughts:

The Vegan Big Mac is a crowd-pleaser that combines the beloved flavors of the classic fast food burger with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party, looking for an indulgent treat, or craving a vegan version of a fast food favorite, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick to make, customizable, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect plant-based burger to satisfy all your cravings.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make this recipe your own. Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll be able to perfect the flavors and customize it to your liking.

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