Even though Memorial Day isn’t until a few weeks from now, I think grilling season has officially begun! And whether you’re cooking homemade burgers on a grill or a griddle, the first thing you need to do to make a great burger is to season it right. You probably already have the spices you need to make this easy homemade burger seasoning, which really does take a ground beef patty to the next level. Please try it on your next burger and let me know what you think. I think you’ll want more than one. ).
Summertime and grilling season go hand-in-hand. There’s nothing better than the smoky aroma and sizzling sound of burgers cooking over an open flame. While you can certainly just shape plain ground beef into patties and slap them on the grill, taking the time to add seasoning makes a huge difference in flavor.
Knowing how to properly season ground beef transforms your basic burgers into juicy, mouthwatering treats. Read on for tips, tricks, and recipes to take your grilled burgers up a notch this season
Benefits of Seasoning Ground Beef
Pre-seasoning ground beef before grilling offers several advantages:
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Infuses the meat with flavor from spices, herbs, sauces, etc.
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Allows seasonings to penetrate deeply rather than just coating the exterior,
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Helps meld flavors together and develop depth.
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Adds moisture through ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, eggs, or oil
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Improves texture with additions like breadcrumbs or minced onion.
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Makes the most of high-heat grilling by building flavor right into patties.
Quick Tips for Seasoning
Follow these simple tips for maximum success when seasoning ground beef:
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Use fresh, high-quality beef with an 80/20 lean to fat ratio.
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Handle raw meat safely and chill thoroughly before grinding.
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Mix seasonings in gently to avoid overworking the meat.
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Do a taste and texture test with a small patty before grilling all.
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Don’t forget salt and pepper – they’re essential burgers seasonings!
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Consider bold spices, herbs, condiments, cheeses, etc. to mix in.
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Shape chilled seasoned beef into uniformly thick patties for even cooking.
Handy Equipment
Having the right equipment makes seasoning ground beef a breeze:
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Grinder attachment for stand mixer – grind meat fresh at home.
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Digital food scale – weighs out portions for uniform patties.
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Mixing bowls – lets you evenly incorporate seasonings.
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Parchment paper – prevents sticking when shaping patties.
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Instant-read thermometer – tests doneness and food safety.
Go-To Grilled Burger Spice Mix
This easy homemade blend can be adjusted to suit any taste:
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp each: salt, pepper, dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp each: dried thyme, ground coriander
Mix a generous amount into ground beef along with 1 egg and 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for perfect grilled burgers every time. Customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Creative Seasoning Combinations
Take your burgers up a notch with these unique seasoning mix-ins:
- Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Minced garlic, jalapeños, or roasted red peppers
- Crumbled blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese
- Chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or pickled peppers
- Sauces like A1, steak sauce, hoisin, or HP
- Spice blends like curry powder, Italian dressing mix, or taco seasoning
- Fresh herbs – basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, rosemary
Get creative with flavors – the possibilities are endless!
Handy Marinades
In addition to spices, let flavors soak in overnight with a simple homemade marinade:
Tangy BBQ – barbecue sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic, onion
Zippy Southwest – lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, cilantro
Robust Greek – olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, rosemary
Spicy Asian – soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, brown sugar, ginger
Juicy Grilled Burger Recipes
Ready to fire up the grill? Try these flavor-packed seasoned burger recipes:
Jalapeño Popper Burgers
Mix ground beef with diced jalapeños, bacon bits, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder. Top with more cheese and bacon.
Greek Lamb Burgers
Combine ground lamb with minced garlic, onion, oregano, mint, feta, red wine vinegar. Shape and grill patties to preference.
Southwestern Burgers
Mix ground beef with taco seasoning, sautéed peppers and onions, pepperjack cheese, avocado slices.
Blue Cheese and Date Burgers
Blend crumbled blue cheese and minced dates into ground chuck. Grill patties, then top with more cheese and date slices.
Cajun Blackened Burgers
Coat patties in Cajun seasoning and blackening spice mix. Grill over high heat until charred and cooked through.
The right seasoning makes all the difference, transforming your basic beef patties into succulent grilled burgers bursting with flavor. From unique spice blends to flavor-packed add-ins, give your burgers an extra kick this grilling season!
What’s in Burger Seasoning
Burger seasoning doesn’t have to be fancy to make your home-cooked burgers taste even better. We use smoked and sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, freshly cracked pepper, and a very small amount of cayenne in our simple burger seasoning mix. All of these spices are pretty simple, but when you mix them together, they bring out the flavor of the beef without overpowering it, making the perfect homemade hamburger.
How to Season Burgers
Putting a thin layer of this burger seasoning on the outside of burger patties that have already been formed is the best way to use it. When making hamburgers you want to avoid overworking the meat, which can make your burger dense and tough. For the most juicy and flavorful burger ever, shape your patties carefully and then lightly coat them in your burger seasoning.
5 Tips to BEST BURGERS! | Make the best Homemade Grilled Burgers using these tips!
FAQ
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