Eggs and oats help prevent veggie burgers from falling apart.
Vegetarian burgers need a binder, and egg, oats or flax seeds fulfill that function.
That's why a vegetarian burger needs a binder, an ingredient that helps hold the pieces together. Meat burgers usually have one too.
Eggs are one of the most effective ingredients. They're high in protein, and when cooked, they solidify, acting like a moist cement that dries and binds together. A single egg can be enough for four to six burgers, although some recipes suggest two. Legumes provide starch and may require less egg.
Oats work well without animal products. The amount varies depending on the recipe, from half a cup for four small burgers to two cups for six. Since it has a slightly grassy flavor, toasting it beforehand can give it a more flavorful, nutty taste.
Another alternative is a flax egg: one tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water, left to sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This ratio replaces one egg, and if two are needed, simply double the proportions. Although it doesn't taste like egg, but rather nutty, it helps bind the ingredients together.
Breadcrumbs are a popular option, although flour or cereals such as rice can also be used.
