Dubai Veggie Smash Burger

What Makes Dubai Veggie Smash Burger So Special

There’s something truly magical about the Dubai Veggie Smash Burger. It’s a dish that combines the rich, earthy flavors of chickpeas and zucchini with the bold spices of Middle Eastern cuisine, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a lighter alternative to traditional burgers, this recipe is a delightful way to bring global flavors to your kitchen table.

I first discovered this dish during a trip to Dubai years ago, where street food vendors served up these crispy, golden patties with a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve been recreating this recipe at home, tweaking it to perfection. What makes it unique is its simplicity—most ingredients are pantry staples—and its versatility. You can customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. (learn more here)

Curious about how to make this dish at home or what makes it so healthy? Keep reading—I’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini, drained
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce for serving

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Dubai Veggie Smash Burger

Preparing and cooking the Dubai Veggie Smash Burger is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy evenings. Here’s the breakdown: (learn more here)

Recommended Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula
• Cast iron skillet
• Offset spatula
• Digital kitchen scale

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas, grated zucchini, red onion, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a silicone spatula to mix until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties using your hands or an offset spatula.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and use a spatula to smash them down slightly.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a digital kitchen scale to ensure even patty sizes if needed.
5. Toast the burger buns lightly in the skillet or on a baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, then topping with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
7. Serve immediately with a side of your choice.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Want to elevate your Dubai Veggie Smash Burger? Here are some of my favorite tips: (learn more here)

• Flavor Swap: Replace tahini sauce with a spicy harissa mayo for an extra kick.
• Diet Tweak: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a celiac-friendly version.
• Prep Fix: Make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Storage Tip: Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Healthier Alternatives for Dubai Veggie Smash Burger

If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, here are some easy swaps:

• Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg to make it vegan-friendly.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs for oat flour or almond flour for a lower-carb option.
• Opt for whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional burger buns.

How to Serve Dubai Veggie Smash Burger

I love serving Dubai Veggie Smash Burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a simple cucumber-tomato salad. Pair it with a refreshing mint lemonade or iced tea for a complete meal. Trust me, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts or cozy weeknight dinners! (helpful resource)

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Dubai Veggie Smash Burger is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and cultures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is sure to bring joy to your table. Its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits make it a recipe worth trying again and again.

So, why not give it a try this weekend? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy cooking! (more inspiration)

Dubai Veggie Smash Burger

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• Author: Elyse
• Total Time: 25
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

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Description

Make a delicious Dubai Veggie Smash Burger with Middle Eastern spices and fresh ingredients for a flavorful plant-based meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed

1/2 cup grated zucchini, drained

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

4 burger buns

Lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas, grated zucchini, red onion, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a silicone spatula to mix until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties using your hands or an offset spatula.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and use a spatula to smash them down slightly.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a digital kitchen scale to ensure even patty sizes if needed.
5. Toast the burger buns lightly in the skillet or on a baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, then topping with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
7. Serve immediately with a side of your choice.

Notes

Avoid overcooking to maintain the best texture and moisture.
Serve your dubai veggie smash burger warm for the best flavor and experience.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 300
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 5
• Cholesterol: 10

Keywords: dubai veggie smash burger, Vegetarian Burger, Middle Eastern Flavors, Homemade Veggie Patty