Whoo-wee, we sure love our burgers. Whether you toss them on the grill or fry them in a pan, burgers are pure summertime bliss. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to think about kicking things up a notch.
So, if you’re looking for ways to add some zing to your next burger, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for four easy ways to give your burger a little zing.
International Inspiration
If you love international flavors, the possibilities are limitless. You can add a touch of Mediterranean flare with tzatziki sauce and feta, or go Mexican and add guacamole and salsa. For Italian flair, whip up homemade pesto with freshly shaved parmesan cheese and mix into your patties. If you really want to bring on the heat, you can either dice jalapenos into your burger mix or sauté with them red onions. Once it’s done, pile all that goodness on top and enjoy.
Not Just a Bun
A burger isn’t complete without its bun. Sesame seed buns are the classic take, while kaiser buns and even brioche make your burger cosmic. Just make sure that your bun isn’t bigger than the burger. No one wants a bite of all bun and no meat. You can always eat your burger “protein style.” Cut out the carbs and wrap your burger in crisp lettuce leaves, like iceberg.
Eat Your Greens
Instead of topping your burger with bland iceberg or romaine, pile on greens that pack a punch. Arugula matches well with a Mediterranean burger or when you want a garlic aioli sauce. Radicchio is always a good pair with richer flavors, like mushrooms or gorgonzola cheese. Even a crisp coleslaw can add just enough flavor without overpowering the taste of your burger. You can lightly coat your regular lettuce leaves or slaw in your favorite dressing for even more deliciousness.
Cheese Choices
Just because it’s a timeless classic doesn’t mean you need to stick with the same old, same old. Step out of your comfort zone and try out new types of cheese. Zesty garlic and herb goes great with grilled onions, while smoked cheddar enhances the smokiness of a charcoaled burger. If you prefer, you can even grate your favorite type of cheese (perhaps pepperjack or mozzarella?) into your patty mixture. What could be better than a juicy burger with gooey cheese in the middle?
One can only compare making a burger to creating a piece of art. Like art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But when it comes to burgers, it’s all in your taste buds. Don’t shy away from trying new combinations on your burger. Sometimes the oddest of combinations end up tasting the best.
Contributed by Anica Oaks