The West Coast is no stranger to vegan restaurants, and while some spots thrive selling exclusively vegan fare, simply adding some well-crafted vegan-friendly menu items can help your restaurant satisfy a more diverse clientele. While you can certainly experiment with fun recipes utilizing trendy meat substitutes like jackfruit, one easy way to accommodate vegan diners is to include a few vegan burger options on your menu. Here are five of our favorite vegan burgers for your restaurant.
Vegan Burger #1: The Impossible Burger
The popularity of the Impossible Burger continues to grow. In the past few years, many popular Portland restaurants have started offering the Impossible Burger on their menu, to great success. Unlike other vegan patties, the Impossible Burger seeks to mimic the taste (and texture!) of beef. In fact, it’s the first faux-meat alternative to incorporate heme, which is responsible for the “beefy” flavor many have come to know and love.
Vegan Burger #2: Black Bean Burger
The black bean burger is a classic vegan burger alternative, which has maintained its popularity over the years. The dense texture of black beans makes them the perfect burger substitute, and they’re especially well-suited for fun southwestern toppings, including salsa and avocado.
Vegan Burger #3: Portobello Burger
Mushrooms are one of the hottest food trends of 2019, and portabellos are the perfect size, shape, and texture for a burger substitute. Because portobello mushrooms taste great when grilled in olive oil, many restaurants prepare their portabello burgers with the trademark grill marks of a traditional beef burger.
Vegan Burger #4: The Beyond Burger
Like the Impossible Burger, the Beyond Burger replicates the taste, smell, look, and texture of a beef patty, though the burger itself is made from a plant-based vegan patty. Because it’s made to mimic a beef burger, you can use the same seasonings and topping offerings that accompany your traditional burgers, making it an incredibly simple item to substitute on your menu.
Vegan Burger #5: Quinoa Burger
Considered a superfood, quinoa makes a great, healthy alternative to a beef burger patty. In addition to being high in fiber and rich in antioxidants, quinoa provides all 9 essential amino acids. Plus, quinoa burgers work as a great base for a variety of different burger toppings, so you can experiment with fun sauces and topping styles.
While burgers trends continue to evolve, it doesn’t look like they’ll ever go out of style. If you’re looking for wholesale pricing on any of the ingredients we mentioned or need help planning your menu around these food trends, don’t hesitate to contact McDonald Wholesale, your local restaurant supplier in Portland. In the meantime, read our blog for even more great restaurant advice, including everything from a beginners’ guide to marketing your restaurant with coupons to 3 important reasons to cross-train your restaurant staff.