Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 375˚F  and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make Your Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with the warm water. Stir it up and set it aside. It’ll thicken up into something magical and wonderful.

Prep the Black Beans: Microwave your black beans in a large bowl for about 1 minute to slightly soften them. Then grab your trusty potato masher (or a fork) and go to town. You want them mashed but not pureed—leave some texture for a nice bite.

Mix It All Together: Add in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir in the soy sauce, flax egg, and bread crumbs. Mix it well until a thick black bean mixture forms. If it’s too wet, add more bread crumbs. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water.

Form the Patties: Scoop out ⅓ cup of the burger mixture and form into patties. You should get about 4–5 black bean burger patties.

Bake or Cook: Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until firm.

Note: Want a little crisp? Toss them on a skillet over medium heat or throw them in the air fryer for about 4-5 minutes per side.