Hamburgers may be one of the things that come to mind when you think about modern American meals, but that’s not necessarily the case. The origins of the burger can be traced by some food historians to Genghis Khan and his Mongolian warriors. They were some of the first people to form meat into patties, making it the perfect food for long rides on a saddle.
No matter where they got their start, you can’t deny that one of the country’s favorite meals has evolved into a culinary experience. Chefs work tirelessly on the art of curating gourmet burgers to satisfy our taste buds. This blog will cover what goes into making standout burgers.
The Foundation – a High-Quality Patty
No toppings in the world will save a burger if it has a lackluster and dry patty. Gourmet burgers need to be made with premium beef, preferably 100% Angus.
What’s great about Angus beef is it has strands of fat woven throughout the patty. This marbling in the beef melts as the patty cooks, resulting in a juicy burger.
Many burger restaurants create their beef blends to achieve the perfect patty. Some of the types of beef used can include:
- Chuck
- Short ribs
- Brisket
Elevating the Toppings
All the top gourmet burger recipes feature mouthwatering toppings that may initially seem like unexpected pairings at first. One of the main gourmet burger secrets is using toppings that complement each other. You don’t want your toppings to overwhelm your burger – you want them to enhance the flavors that are already in play.
Some of our favorite unique burger ingredients (we promise they taste good) are:
- Shoestring fries
- Fried egg
- Grilled pineapple
- Crispy onions
- Horseradish garlic aioli
These innovative toppings take an everyday burger and elevate it to the next level.
Use the Perfect Bun
A dry and hard bun can completely change your experience with a burger. Not only do you want your bun to be soft, but you want it to be hardy enough to hold your toppings and the patty’s juiciness. The most common types of burger buns include:
- Kaiser rolls
- Brioche
- Potato buns
- Pretzel rolls
Ciabatta rolls are a unique yet effective burger bun choice. What we love about them is their porous interior. The holes make the perfect spot to trap toppings and other flavors.
Exceptional Seasoning Selections
Many cooks argue about whether or not it’s better to season the outside of a burger patty or mix the seasoning with the meat. Regardless of what you choose, it’s essential to choose the right seasoning combination. Many people choose traditional seasonings, such as:
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
You can take it up a notch by using Italian or taco seasoning, depending on what burger toppings you’re using.
Stop By Burger Republic for the Best Gourmet Burgers
Mastering gourmet burgers can take time and practice. Have fun with the process and explore new toppings to try. You may find your new favorite burger combination in the process.
Don’t spend your time trying to perfect the best burger at home. Come by Burger Republic to learn why we’ve been voted some of the top 10 burgers in the country. Find a location near you in the Nashville area.