Eggplant-based veggie burgers are topped with sweet salty honey-beer glazed caramelized shallots and a layer of melted cheese to make plant-based burger that you won’t forget.
eggplant burgers with honey beer-glazed caramelized shallots

After a Saturday night of bachelor partying in Atlantic City that ended in a 3:30AM return home and a half hour of sitting by the toilet begging his body to throw up, I doubt beer-glazed anything was what the.boy wanted to see on our dinner table.

But that’s just the kind of fiance I am. Always so conscientious about my future husband’s food needs/wants/gag reflex.

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Thankfully for the.boy (and our bathroom sink), these honey beer-glazed caramelized shallot-topped veggie burgers taste very little like the brew from whence they came and very much like the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and melted cheese.

AKA the perfect burger bite.

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These burgers are a riff on my eggplant parm burgers, which have quickly become my favorite form of veggie burger-ing to date. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good bean burger, but there’s something about the meaty feeling that eggplant lends to these that makes them a bit more toothsome and satisfactory than their legume counterparts.

So much of burger consumption is really about the toppings, however: a thick layer of cheese is non-negotiable, and now so is a hefty smear of these caramelized shallots. A fair amount of the flavor in them does come from what kind of beer you use. I went with a summer ale, but you should definitely use something with a full-bodied flavor that you really enjoy drinking, because even though the glaze won’t taste explicitly of alcohol, it will take on whatever flavor undertones that were in the beer you used.

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This recipe is my submission to this month’s Recipe Redux, then theme of which is cooking with spirits!

Eggplant Burgers with Honey Beer-Glazed Caramelized Shallots
 
Eggplant-based veggie burgers are topped with sweet salty honey-beer glazed caramelized shallots and a layer of melted cheese to make plant-based burger that you won't forget.
Yield: 4 burgers
Ingredients
For the burgers
  • 1 large eggplant (about 1 lb)
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp minced parsley
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 oz provolone or gruyere
For the shallots
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup beer (I used Blue Moon)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
For the burgers
  1. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the eggplant and boil uncovered until eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes, pushing them down as necessary so that they stay in the water. Drain and let cool. Press out as much water from the eggplant as possible (I used this Potato Ricer to do it. Very finely chop eggplant.
  2. In a bowl, combine the eggplant with the breadcrumbs, cheese and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in the egg.
  3. Split eggplant mixture into four patties. Cook on an electric grill or shallow fry in olive oil for 3 minutes on each side, turning once halfway. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Preheat oven to 350.
  5. When ready to serve, place each burger on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a slice of cheese. Heat in the oven until cheese has melted, 2-3 minutes.
For the caramelized shallots
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add the shallots to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until starting to brown. Add the beer, soy sauce, mustard, and honey to the pan. Bring to a boil and then simmer until liquid thickens into more of a glaze and the shallots are cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Serve burgers topped with shallots.
Notes
Adapted from my previous eggplant parmesan burgers and Cooking Light
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 burger

For more fun veggie burgers, check out these:

eggplant parmesan burgers

Eggplant Parmesan Burgers

jalapeno white bean burgers

Jalapeno White Bean Burgers

smoky sweet potato burgers with roasted garlic cream and avocado on whole wheat sliders

Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers

From Around the Web:

Pimiento Farmer’s Market Veggie Burgers from Vegetarian Ventures

Lentil-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa from Cookie + Kate

Thai Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers from Oh She Glows

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers from Bev Cooks

Tex-Mex Pinto Bean Burgers from Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

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79 Responses to Eggplant Burgers with Honey Beer-Glazed Caramelized Shallots

  1. I WANT. Those caramelized shallots sound heavenly!

  2. jill conyers says:

    This looks absolutely amazing! I’ve made a lot of veggie burgers but I’ve never tried eggplant. Now that’s going to change.

  3. Sune Moolman says:

    By hubby brews his own beer, which means I have access to gallons of the stuff.
    Gallons of beer + this recipe = Lots of friends for dinner! Thanks. 🙂

  4. Don’t mind me as I drool completely all over these photos. I MEAN.

  5. bellini says:

    You have convinced me Joanne, even though there was no real need to.

  6. SallyBR says:

    Looks pretty awesome to me…. I rarely cook eggplant, for some odd reason, since we both like it

    this goes to my pinterest board….

  7. your poor fiance! He sounds like me every weekend except replace with beer with vodka or wine! Please don’t judge me.

  8. This is the first veggie burger that I’ve seen that looks way more sinful than a meat burger in the best way. I am obsessed with caramelized shallots. This is happening ASAP!!!

  9. OMG I LOOOOVE this veggie burger! Damn girl you know how to go vegetarian!

  10. Oh man that sounds like a rough night!

    Please make these for me:-)

  11. Julia says:

    Awww! Hopefully the.boy feels better soon! Only bad part about tying one on is the tie stays with you…until you can puke or metabolize it out 🙁 These burgs look fuh-rea-king amazing! I love an eggplant burger and it’s been ages since I’ve had one. Those beer-glazed funions? UGH!

  12. Those caramelized shallots look divine!

  13. Joanne – you are indeed right – so much about burgers depends on the toppings…I love veggie burgers and this one sounds exceptional – and looks so meaty! Great use of spirits my friend!

  14. elizabeth e says:

    i’ve never had an eggplant-based veggie burger, but i think these are going to have to go on my list. they look (and sound) amazing.

  15. Jeanette says:

    Love those glazed caramelized shallots Joanne – great way to make your eggplant burger even more irresistible!

  16. Heather says:

    Oh yum, these sound so good right now. I’ve been slowly getting everyone in our house to eat more eggplant, so I bet these would be a huge hit!

  17. I would put those shallots on everything! yum!

  18. danielle says:

    I am loving the idea of an eggplant burger – looks and sounds divine!

  19. Yikes! I doNt miss those late party nights (much 😉
    LOVE this burger!!! What a great recipe Jo!

  20. Nice vegan burger recipe!!!
    i think i’m gonna restarting my meatless monday then!!!

  21. That is a great flavor combo. Poor guy – was it his Bach party already? Time is flying!

  22. bahaha sounds like the.boy had fun!! I had my bachelorette party in your state this weekend!!! It was a surprise, but had I known, I would have forced you to come!! Also, these burgers are so freaking summery. I love those shallots!

  23. Sarah says:

    Amaze-balls or rather should I say, amaze-burgers? These look so yummy and easy!

  24. what a fascinating burger idea. and that glazed topping looks irresistible.

  25. These look awesome, especially the glaze. YUM!

  26. The carmelized onions look so good.

  27. Zainab says:

    Bahaa poor boy! And I am drooling over these burgers 🙂

  28. Karman says:

    Such a great recipe! Eggplant seems to be undervalued as a veggie burger option, but this recipe may change that!

  29. Sues says:

    Love love these photos… the burgers look SO gorgeous!!

  30. Lisa says:

    What is not to like about these burgers? I adore eggplant and gruyere too. Fantastic seasoning here. Another must try from your site. You really ought to be publishing a cookbook at some point – really.

  31. Oh man, Joanne! This looks delicious! The melted cheese and caramelized shallots look out of this world! I don’t cook with eggplant too much, but you are making me want to go out and buy some right now!

  32. Oh yes! That is what I want for dinner!!!! Might have to make a trip to the store for eggplant. You are lucky the boy did a bachelor party for one night only. My man had a three day adventure. I am still having details about what actually happened that weekend trickle in. Guys, too funny!

  33. Kate says:

    These seem like a great hangover food!

  34. I’ve only made eggplant burgers once. They were delicious but it was much too long ago. Digging the honey-beer glazed caramelized shallots!

  35. anything caramelized, im in…hope the boy is feeling better.

  36. Monique says:

    awe, poor guy! Hopefully your burgers brought him back to life!!!

  37. Lisa Samuel says:

    These sound AMAZING! Love the idea of the eggplant burger.

  38. debbie says:

    This looks like a great alternative to the usual veggie burger. I like bean burgers too but they do get old!

  39. Maggie J says:

    Mind. Blown. Joanne – you have made my day, though totally screwed up my dinner plans. I never would have thought about using eggplant in a veggie burger, but this sounds delicious. I will be tryin this recipe in the next 48 hours. Thanks for sharing!

  40. As a big meat eater I don’t trust veggie burgers, but these look so incredibly inviting, Joanne, you might have changed my mind!

  41. cheri says:

    Hi Joanne, you are so funny! hope the boy is feeling better. These egg plant burgers look amazing and how clever making caramelized shallots with a beer glaze.

  42. Oh yum! I’ve never tried eggplant in a veggie burger…but I’m going to now!

  43. Megan says:

    Those caramelized shallots look mouthwatering! They sound awesome!

  44. Besoner says:

    ahh the glaze for the shallots sounds divine! I could imagine it tasting good on everything

  45. I will need extra sauce on my burger please!

  46. Eileen says:

    These burgers sound fantastic! What a great way to get more eggplant into your mouth. Do you think they’d freeze well? Because I’d be ALL OVER having a stash of homemade eggplant burgers ready at a moment’s notice… 🙂

  47. Sarah Grace says:

    I instantly got hungry when seeing these photos, oh my yum! And I love using eggplant in recipes, I love how you finely diced it and mixed it with other ingredients instead of just using a thick slice of it as a burger!

    xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.

  48. Pam says:

    You crack me up! I hope The.Boy is feeling much better by now. These burgers are making this girl drool. YUM!

  49. Christine says:

    This is why I love your recipes. Seriously rivals any meat based burger. Absolutely delicious looking!

  50. Now how perfect is this – I’m getting eggplants in my CSA share tomorrow and I am SO making these!

  51. Oh my gosh. YES I so want these bad boys in my tummy PRONTO. I’m pretty much obsessed with eggplant at the moment so you’re totally speaking my language girl! 🙂

  52. Wow, looks delicious. Now I am hungry.

  53. Dana says:

    This looks insanely good — I need those caramelized shallots in my life.

  54. Really unique! And I know I am going to love these burgers. Beer glazed caramelised shallots sound awesome.

  55. Kelster says:

    WOW. I just tried shallots for the first time and wondered what to make with the rest. This. Definitely this.

  56. Oh man, not loving the picture of that late night episode. But am loving these mouthwatering burger photos! Those onions look like heaven.

  57. Alex says:

    Eggplant in a burger? Can I get one. Wow, these look so delicious! Can’t wait to try eggplant in my burgers!

  58. Kelly says:

    Yikes, poor guy, hope he is feeling better now. These burgers would definitely put a smile on my face! They look amazing! Love love love eggplant and with the saucy caramelized shallots? So so awesome!

  59. Reeni says:

    Love the idea of an eggplant burger! A nice change from beans. I want to make a big pan of those shallots and top everything with them – after I spoon feed myself half of them!

  60. Johanna GGG says:

    ooh those burgers look really good – I even think they might conquer eggplant skeptics (well my very own eggplant skeptic at least) – I love bean burgers but there is no such thing as too many burgers recipes.

  61. What fantastic looking burgers, I love caramelised shallots especially!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  62. OMG. These look amazing, lady!!! Those shallots… yes!

  63. You know I loathe beer. But I do like it in soup and bread, so no doubt these are awesome. And caramelized onions? Paleeeze. SWOON. You’ll be a great wife.

  64. grace says:

    i’ve never seen an eggplant burger–delightful! the best part, though, is definitely those shallots. what a sweet and savory treat!

  65. […] 11) Four words for you: Honey Beer-Glazed Carmelized Shallots. […]

  66. Is it wrong that my immediate thought when seeing a photo of this burger was “F*CK!*? And I mean that in the best possible way. Holy moly!!

  67. elly says:

    These look great. I’ve never been a huge eggplant fan but I have slooooooooowly been liking it more and more. I’m pretty sure in burger-form and with beer-glazed caramelized shallots would be enjoying it in the best way possible.

  68. […] Discover the recipe at Joanne Eats Well With Others. […]

  69. Kelsey says:

    I made this tonight and it was awesome! I didn’t have shallots or onions of any kind, but I had a fresh yellow pepper so I caramelized it instead. Yum!

  70. […] Eggplant Burgers with Honey Beer-glazed Caramelized Shallots from Eats Well With Others […]

  71. Emily says:

    It looks great, sounds great, but was not a hit in our household. The shallots were too strong and had an odd taste. Not sure if it was from using an IPA for the beer. We’re drowning the leftovers in marinara rather than using the shallots and hoping that improves them. We took the shallots and mixed with sour cream to try and make an onion dip, but still a strange flavor.

    • joanne says:

      Thanks so much for your feedback! I’m so sorry to hear you didn’t love the shallots. I’m betting that you’re right and it’s very dependent on which beer you use. I believe I used Blue Moon. I will make a note of that in the recipe!

  72. Kirsten says:

    Joanne,
    Thanks for this recipe! I’ve added it to the Farm Fresh Feasts Visual Recipe Index by Ingredient, a resource for folks like me who love to eat from the farm share.
    I appreciate your help in making this index better!

  73. Patricia says:

    These were delicious! Do you by any chance have a calorie county for these? I will certainly make again!

  74. Jill Rondeau says:

    Just making these for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.. YES , they’re THAT good !! I substituted chicken broth for the beer for a family member who is in recovery, and they are still excellent !! I am making up a bunch to freeze so we have them ANYTIME, just..YUM !!

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