The Secret to Egg-Free Burgers

Hi, it’s Sarah from Cooking Frog, and today I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for egg-free beef burgers. The secret? Chia seeds and good-quality ground beef.

While chia seeds are often used in sweet recipes, they work wonders in burgers, acting as a natural binder. Just mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg — and don’t worry, you won’t taste or feel any crunch. My burger-loving family has given this recipe their full approval, and once you try it, you may never go back to adding eggs.

These burgers are easy to shape by hand, hold their form while cooking, and stay juicy every time. They’re perfect for all types of burgers — from sliders to big patties — and even double as a base for flavorful meatballs. Plus, this recipe is breadcrumb-free, making it a great low-carb or gluten-free option.

Ingredients

• 17 oz ground beef, minced

• ¾ cup tomato purée

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, tomato purée, chia seeds, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Mix with your hands until evenly combined — but don’t overmix, to keep the patties tender.

2. Shape and Chill

• Divide the mixture into equal portions and roll into meatballs.

• Place the meatballs on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 20–25 minutes.

  Chilling helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.

3. Cook the Patties

• Preheat your grill, skillet, or frying pan to medium heat.

• Gently press each meatball into a patty shape.

• Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

4. Serve

• Serve the burgers hot on buns with your favorite toppings, or pair with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Shape patties, place parchment between layers, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

The best toppings for egg-free burger

I love rich burger, with onions, cheese, awesome hamburger sauce, tomato, pickles, lettuce and mustard always. I also love burgers with bacon, but you can use any of these:

• egg-free mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup
• crispy lettuce
• tomatoes
• sweet pickles or dill pickles
• sliced onions
• caramelized onions
• sauteed mushrooms
• cheese to your liking
• crispy bacon

What are your favorite toppings for hamburgers? You can share in the comments below.

If you’ve liked this Egg-Free Burger Recipe, be sure to check Egg-Free Pancake Recipe