These vegan bbq beet kimchi sliders are the perfect summer handheld dish. Beets, red lentils, sunflower seeds, and Nasoya's kimchi serve as the base for these flavorful, protein-packed burgers.
This post is sponsored by Nasoya. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Blissful Basil!
We've officially stepped into (veggie) burger weather. The warm breeze, the blossoming trees, and the smell of fresh-cut grass. All signs point to summer.
These BBQ beet kimchi sliders are PACKED with flavor and so, so satisfying. Think: savory, smoky, a little spicy, hearty, and packed with protein.
Nasoya's (NEW) Kimchi is folded into the base of these beet burgers and piled on top. Double the kimchi = double the zippy, tangy, crunchy bite.
I used their classic Mild Kimchi, but any of their variations—Spicy, Radish, or White Kimchi—would be excellent in this recipe.
To make the slider patties, you'll first steam three cups of diced beets.
While the beets steam, simmer one cup split red lentils until tender and sauté diced yellow onion with chopped kimchi, garlic, and spices. This recipe is all about (simple) multitasking.
Once the beets and lentils have cooked, add them to a food processor along with rolled oats, BBQ sauce, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse several times, or until the ingredients are chopped and combined yet the mixture still has a bit of texture.
Transfer the beet mixture to a large mixing bowl, and stir in the sautéed kimchi mixture, more rolled oats, sunflower seeds, a spoonful of brown sugar, and ground flaxseed.
Give the mixture a good stir. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill (this makes it easier to handle).
A 30-minute chill is the bare minimum. The good news is that you can prepare the patty mixture up to a full day in advance and simply chill until you're ready to form the patties.
Once the beet mixture is thoroughly chilled, use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to scoop out mounds of the "dough". Form each into a patty and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once all the patties are formed (you should have about 15 or so), bake them for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom and slightly crisp on top.
Prepare the buns and toppings while the beet sliders bake.
I LOVE using pretzel slider rolls for this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorite bun—e.g., whole wheat, white, gluten-free, etc.
I highly recommend toasting the buns. It adds an extra-special touch.
In addition to toasting the buns, roughly chop about one cup of Nasoya's Mild Kimchi (or Spicy if you'd like a kick of heat). Other topping suggestions: Fresh flat-leaf parsley, BBQ sauce, yellow onion, etc.
I like to balance the earthiness and smokiness of the slider patties with fresh, zesty, and bright elements.
Once the patties are ready, tuck them into your toasted slider buns and top with kimchi, BBQ sauce, etc.
Then, take a bite and marvel at the deliciousness of these plant-powered (mini) burgers.
Not only are these sliders satisfying, they're also highly nutrient dense and offer the added tummy soothing benefits of kimchi. An all-around win.
📖 Recipe
Vegan BBQ Beet Kimchi Sliders
Ingredients
BBQ Beet Kimchi Sliders
- 3 cups peeled and diced beets (about 4–5 medium beets)
- 1 cup split red lentils, thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped Nasoya Mild or Spicy Kimchi
- ¾ cup finely diced yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, divided
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce of choice, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce*
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons fine grain sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup roasted and unsalted shelled sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
Burger Base and Toppings
- 15 slider rolls of choice (e.g., sprouted, gluten-free, pretzel, etc.), toasted
- ½ to 1 cup Nasoya Mild or Spicy Kimchi, roughly chopped
Instructions
For the BBQ Beet Kimchi Sliders
- Steam the beets in a steamer or steamer basket for 25 to 30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- While the beets are steaming, add the lentils and water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until just tender, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more water to keep the lentils submerged. Strain of as much excess water as possible and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over low heat in a large sauté pan. Add the kimchi, onion, and garlic, 1 tablespoon of the coconut sugar, the paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Increase the heat to medium-low, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly.
- Add the steamed beets, cooked lentils,½ cup of the rolled oats, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced chipotle peppers, sea salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse 20 to 25 times, or until the mixture is roughly chopped and all ingredients are well incorporated, stopping to scrape down the sides halfway through pulsing. You want a bit of chunky texture, so be careful not to over-process.
- Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl, and add the reserved ¾ cup rolled oats, the cooked kimchi mixture, the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, sunflower seeds, and ground flaxseed. Thoroughly stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly dispersed. The mixture should be quite damp but able to hold its shape.
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer to make it easier to handle). Prep tip: Prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerate until ready to form and bake.
- About 10 minutes before you're ready to form the patties, preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a ⅓-cup measuring cup to scoop out ⅓ cup of the mixture. Form the mixture into a patty that is 1-inch thick and about 2 inches in diameter, and transfer to the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should have about 15 patties. (Note: the mixture is damp and can be a bit challenging to form into patties if it hasn't been thoroughly chilled, but I promise they're worth the effort.)
- Bake the patties for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the bottoms are deep golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool for several minutes before moving or serving. They'll firm up as they cool.
To Assemble
- Place each patty on a bun, slather with a bit of BBQ sauce, and generously top with the kimchi. Serve immediately.
Celeste Jackson says
These are so satisfying...well worth the little extra time to make them. My guests loved them! I'll be making these more this summer. I used the mild version of the Nasoya Kimchi but next time I'll try the spicy. Thank you!
Ashley says
So glad you enjoyed them, mom!
Jackie says
Delicious!! My husband does not like beets but loved these, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not a beet lover like me :) They are filling and are packed with nutrients. Thank you!
Jaclyn says
These were delicious! My husband isn’t a fan of beets, but he loved them! So don’t be discouraged if you are not a beet lover like me, their are so many other great flavors packed into these. Do you think I could freeze my leftover cooked patties for another time?
Ashley says
So happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed them, Jaclyn! And yes, you can absolutely freeze them. They'll stay fresh for up to a month in the freezer. Thanks for taking time to share your feedback. :)