Mash the black beans - Drain and rinse the black beans in a colander. Pour them into a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until the consistency is mostly smooth with some chunks.
Add the rest of the ingredients - Add panko bread crumbs, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to the mixing bowl with the mashed black beans. Use a spatula to mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. - Take care when chopping the chipotle pepper because it can be quite hot. Wear gloves or wash your hands well afterward to avoid getting any in your eyes or on your skin. To avoid removing the moisture from the mixture, add the ingredients one at a time and mix before adding the next one.
Form burger patties - Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form them into patties roughly the same size as your buns. Place the patties on a plate, layering them with wax paper or parchment paper until ready to grill.
Grill the burgers - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Use a brush or paper towel to oil the grates and prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until nicely charred and crispy.
Assemble the burgers - Toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster oven until lightly crispy. Place the patties on the bottom bun and top with your favorite burger toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheese. Add the top bun and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy! - For a vegan burger, make sure to use vegan-friendly buns and toppings. You can also skip the cheese or replace it with a vegan-friendly alternative. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko.