Whether they’re made with beef, turkey or a vegetarian option, burgers are one of America’s favorite meals. They’re quick to cook, can be topped with whatever you like and are the perfect food for social gatherings at home or on the go.
There are many regional and international variations of a hamburger, but the most common form is a patty made from ground beef that is placed on a bun and topped with condiments. The patty is usually accompanied by sliced tomatoes, onions and pickles, but may also include cheese, ham, or other meats.
The classic American burger is comprised of a patty, tomato slices, lettuce, onion, and ketchup on a bread roll, or bun. The patty is typically seasoned or augmented with salt, pepper, herbs and spices before it’s cooked.
If you want to reduce fat, choose lean ground beef or turkey, and make sure the burger is cooked low and slow to get that juicy center that people love. To boost flavor, add a sprinkle of hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin or paprika.
You can increase moisture and flavor by incorporating water-rich vegetables into your burger recipe, says Shena Jaramillo, RD, a dietitian in Ellensburg, Washington. “Water-rich veggies can help to keep your burgers moist and tender, and they also provide some of the fiber you need for a balanced meal,” she says.
A poached burger is another unique version of the American burger that’s popular in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. A patty is soaked in water that’s flavored with sliced onions and then cooked in shallow water. This method produces a moist and flavorful burger that can be served in a bakery roll with burgers a scoop of sliced onions.
Bicky burger is a special Belgian style burger that consists of a sesame seed bun with a deep fried patty that’s topped with pickles, fried onions, ketchup and hot sauce. The burger is also paired with a special dressing consisting of cucumbers, onions, cabbage and cauliflower.
Among other regional burgers, the kubie burger is a specialty from Alberta that consists of a Ukrainian garlic sausage that’s pressed and then placed into a bread roll similar to a hamburger. This burger is a popular specialty in the province, and you can find it at restaurants and diners throughout the area.
The patty melt is another variation of the American burger that’s made with a patty, sauteed onions and cheese on rye bread, then fried. It’s a popular choice at most fast-food restaurants.
There are plenty of other options for burgers that don’t involve ground beef, such as fish, chicken and vegetarian burgers. But if you’re looking for the traditional American burger, there are few better choices than ground beef. Having a wide selection of burgers on your menu can help to attract more consumers who love this comforting and delicious food.