Falafel Burger: A Mouthwatering Middle Eastern Twist You Need to Try

Falafel burgers are my go-to when I’m craving something hearty yet packed with vibrant flavors. Inspired by the beloved Middle Eastern falafel, these burgers take the crispy, spiced chickpea patties we all adore and give them a fun, modern twist. They’re perfect for anyone looking to switch up their burger game with something plant-based and full of personality.

What I love most is how versatile they are. You can pile them high with fresh veggies, creamy tahini sauce, or even a dollop of hummus for that authentic touch. Whether you’re a falafel fan or just curious to try something new, this recipe is a delicious way to bring a little Middle Eastern magic to your table.

Falafel Burger: Middle Eastern Inspiration

As someone who’s crafted burgers of all kinds, I can confidently say this falafel burger is one of my proudest creations. It combines the crispy textures and warm spices of Middle Eastern falafel with the playful concept of a burger. Let me walk you through how I create this masterpiece step-by-step:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the falafel patties:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion (roughly chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (lightly packed)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (lightly packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil)

• For assembling the burger:

• Toasted burger buns (I like mine lightly buttered and grilled)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Red onion rings
• Tahini sauce or hummus (for spreading)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Falafel Mix

Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel— this step is key to achieving the perfect texture. Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices to a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture combines into a coarse, slightly grainy paste— you don’t want it too smooth. Add the baking powder and flour, then pulse a few more times. The mixture should hold together when pressed lightly. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

2. Shape the Patties

Once the mixture is rested, use your hands to form it into burger-sized patties. Keep them slightly thick— about 1/2 to 3/4-inch— so they stay fluffy inside while crisping up on the outside.

3. Fry Until Crispy

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the mixture; if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, frying for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Assemble the Falafel Burger

This is the fun part— building the burger. Grab those toasted buns. Spread tahini sauce or hummus on both sides. Lay a crisp lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a perfectly fried falafel patty. Stack on the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Top with the remaining bun.

5. Optional Grilling for Extra Flavor

If you’re like me and love a little char, give the fully assembled burger a quick press on a preheated grill for 30 seconds on each side. Not only does it add subtle smoke, but it also helps meld all those incredible flavors together.

Serve and Enjoy

This burger tastes best when served fresh, so get those plates ready! Pair it with seasoned fries or a tangy cucumber salad for an incredible Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Trust me— this falafel burger will have your friends and family asking for seconds.

Ingredients

When it comes to crafting the perfect falafel burger, the right combination of fresh ingredients is essential. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Middle Eastern creation to life.

For The Falafel Patties

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For The Burger Sauce

• 1/3 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons water (add more for desired consistency)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste

For Assembling The Falafel Burger

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
• 1 cup tomato slices
• 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• 1/4 cup pickled red onions
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to making the ultimate falafel burger, having the right tools and equipment is essential to ensure the process is smooth and the results are perfect every time. Since I’ve spent countless hours in kitchens and at my grill station, I’ve come to value the importance of reliable tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Kitchen Tools

• Food processor: For blending chickpeas, herbs, and spices into the ideal falafel texture. This is non-negotiable for getting a smooth yet coarse mix.
• Mixing bowls: Use at least two medium-sized bowls—one for soaking the chickpeas and another for mixing the falafel dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key when working with spices and making the falafel dough.

Cooking Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan: Opt for a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution when frying the falafel patties.
• Spider or slotted spoon: Perfect for safely removing those perfectly golden patties from the hot oil.
• Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer helps you maintain the right oil temperature (around 350°F) for frying without burning the patties.

Assembly Essentials

• Grill or stovetop griddle: Use this for toasting burger buns to ensure they’re warm with slightly crisp edges—this small step elevates the burger.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Spatula: Great for flipping the patties gently for evenly crispy edges without breaking them apart.

Optional Extras

• Burger press: If you like all your patties uniform in size and thickness, a burger press can come in handy, especially if you plan to fry or bake them.
• Parchment paper: When shaping patties ahead of time, place them on parchment to avoid sticking.

Directions

Falafel burgers are all about balance—crispy, flavorful patties combined with fresh toppings and creamy sauces. Let me walk you through crafting a restaurant-worthy falafel burger right in your kitchen.

Prep

1. Soak the Chickpeas: Measure 1 cup of dried chickpeas and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight, about 12 hours. Ensure the water covers the chickpeas by a few inches. Drain and pat them dry when ready to use.
2. Prepare Veggies and Herbs: Chop 1 small onion, roughly 3 garlic cloves, 1 cup parsley, and 1 cup cilantro. These bring bold flavors to your falafel mix.
3. Make the Falafel Mix: Add the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cayenne (optional for heat), and ½ teaspoon baking powder to a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a coarse, sticky mixture. Be sure it holds together when pressed between your fingers.
4. Shape the Patties: With wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop out portions of the falafel mixture and form round, flat patties about 3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. Place them on parchment paper for easy handling.

Cook

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet to about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F using a thermometer to maintain consistency.
2. Fry the Patties: Carefully lower the falafel patties into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assemble

1. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter your burger buns and toast them on a grill or stovetop griddle until golden and slightly crisp.
2. Build Your Burger: Spread a generous layer of tahini sauce or hummus on the bottom bun. Add a lettuce leaf, a crispy falafel patty, slices of tomato, cucumber, and pickled red onions. Optional toppings like feta cheese or fresh mint can layer up here.
3. Top and Serve: Place the top bun on your burger, secure everything with a burger pick if needed, and serve with a side of fries or a crisp salad.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about falafel burgers is how easily you can prep ahead of time without compromising their incredible flavor or crisp texture. When I experimented with these at my burger joint, make-ahead options were key to streamlining things. Now, when I whip these up for family gatherings or cookouts, I still stick to a prep-ahead system to save time—and it works like a charm. Let me walk you through my favorite tips.

Prepping the Falafel Mixture

You can prepare the falafel mix up to 24 to 48 hours in advance. After soaking the dried chickpeas and blending them with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices, transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape the patties. Just give the mix a quick stir before forming burgers—the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits.

Shaping the Patties

For those of you who prefer to have everything ready to go, form the falafel patties ahead of time. Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties (a burger press works great here for uniformity) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can stack the patties between parchment paper to prevent sticking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store these in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them if you’re making them way ahead.

• Refrigeration: Store for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frying.

Cooking Ahead

Frying falafel patties in advance works well if you’re hosting or need to cut prep time during a busy week. Once they’re fried to golden perfection and fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in a hot oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, to crisp them back up. They’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them.

Assembling the Burger Ingredients

Prep your toppings and sauces the day before to make everything run smoothly when it’s time to assemble. Slice your veggies (like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions) and store them in sealed containers in the fridge. Lettuce stays crisp if you wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before storing them in a container lined with a paper towel. The tahini sauce or hummus can also be made ahead and kept chilled.

Here’s how I typically handle burger assembly prep:

These make-ahead strategies mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those bold, earthy flavors of Middle Eastern-inspired falafel burgers with your crew.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this falafel burger, the possibilities are endless, but I’ve perfected a few ideas that pair beautifully with the crispy chickpea patties and their bold, spiced flavor. Whether you’re hosting a burger night at home or just whipping up a quick meal, these serving suggestions will take your falafel burger to the next level.

Classic Handheld Style

For a traditional approach, serve the falafel patties on toasted brioche or sesame seed buns. Layer them with lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy cucumber for fresh texture. I love adding a generous dollop of creamy tahini sauce on both the top and bottom buns—it’s like having a burst of nutty, lemony flavor in every bite. Optional add-ons like pickled red onions, feta crumbles, or herbs such as mint and parsley give the burger that authentic Middle Eastern character.

Burger Bowl Twist

Sometimes I ditch the buns and serve everything deconstructed as a burger bowl. I start with a bed of softened bulgur, quinoa, or arugula, then place the falafel patty on top. Around it, I’ll arrange an assortment of toppings like diced tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, olives, and pickled turnips. Drizzle over tahini sauce or yogurt-based tzatziki, and sprinkle with za’atar for a bold pop of flavor. This is perfect for a lighter, gluten-free option.

Pairings

Every great burger needs a worthy sidekick. For this falafel burger, I love serving crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika or sumac for a tangy edge. Another classic option? A fresh Middle Eastern-inspired salad, such as tabbouleh, with its bright parsley, lemon, and bulgur flavors that balance the richness of the falafel. If you want something truly indulgent, try pairing with seasoned potato wedges and a small bowl of garlic aioli for dipping.

Bread Options for a Twist

Switch up your bread game! Pita bread makes an excellent wrap option for these patties when I’m craving something lighter. I’ll stuff falafel patties into warm, fluffy pita with shredded lettuce, cucumbers, and a good handful of fresh herbs before finishing off with a drizzle of sauce. Flatbreads or naan-style breads are also fun alternatives—they bring a soft, chewy texture you’ll love.

Drinks That Compliment

To complete the meal, pair your falafel burger with a refreshing drink. I’m a big fan of homemade mint lemonade—it’s tart, sweet, and cooling, which complements the spiced chickpea patties perfectly. If you’re looking for a cozy beverage, a lightly spiced chai tea works well, adding subtle warmth. For an adult touch, consider serving with a crisp white wine or a pale ale; both offset the spice and enhance the overall flavor.

Conclusion

Crafting a falafel burger is more than just making a meal—it’s an opportunity to bring bold flavors and a touch of Middle Eastern inspiration to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned falafel fan or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a fun and rewarding way to shake up your burger game.

With its crispy patties, vibrant toppings, and creamy sauces, a falafel burger is sure to impress. It’s versatile, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy the delicious adventure of making your own falafel burger!