Quinoa-Okara-Bean Cakes

People who make tofu at home will know exactly what okara is. It is the soybean pulp left from making soy milk. I made tofu yesterday and saved the okara to make this cake recipe. The quinoa will add some crunchiness, and the beans properly contribute protein to this recipe. I found that any cooked beans will work – I have my own personal taste of beans that I use. I like to cook beans in a crockpot the day before as well to save time. Quinoa will cook in a rice cooker with a ratio of 2 to 1 (1 cup quinoa for 2 cups of water). To spice it up, I use steak seasoning, cumin, and cayenne. The steak seasoning can be easily bought in a store or be replaced with any choice of spices that you have on hand.
In summer, fire up the barbecue and get ready for these quinoa-bean burgers. Shape them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to party.

Ingredients:
1 cup okara
2 cups cooked beans mashed (pinto beans, black beans or chickpeas)
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
2 eggs
11/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 tsp steak seasoning
2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the panko breadcrumbs. Mix well. Shape the mixture into ten 3/4 inch thick patties.
Roll each patty in the panko breadcrumbs to cover completely. Refrigerate until ready to cook. Freeze immediately those not used. In a nonstick sauté pan, add some oil. Place the burgers on the hot pan and pan fry them for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
If using a barbecue, prepare the outdoor grill as follows. When the charcoals are ready, grease a cold grill rack with nonstick cooking spray and place the rack on a grill. Grill the burgers over medium heat for 3 minutes. Turn and grill the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with hamburger buns or enjoy them by themselves.