Burgers are one of the most versatile sandwiches out there. The patty itself can be transformed in so many ways (marinated, stuffed, seasoned, etc.) but it’s the toppings that can take a burger from ordinary to extraordinary. While we all love the “American Standard” – ketchup, mustard, American cheese and pickles – it’s fun to think outside the box and explore new flavors. Different ethnic cuisines lend themselves perfectly to topping your burger off right!
All these topping combinations are for one serving:
First stop – Italy
Zesty Pesto & Tomato: 1 tablespoon basil or sundried tomato pesto + 2 heirloom tomato slices + 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
Caprese: 1 ounce fresh buffalo mozzarella + 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil + 2 heirloom tomato slices + 3 fresh basil leaves
Pizza: 2 tablespoons marinara sauce + 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella + 4 slices turkey pepperoni + 2 thin slices green pepper
Second stop – Greece
Cool Cucumber & Feta: 1 tablespoon chopped red onion + 1 tablespoon chopped cucumber + 2 tablespoons feta + 2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce
Hummus: 1 tablespoon chopped tomato + 1 tablespoon chopped cucumber + 1 tablespoon crumbled feta + 2 fresh mint leaves, chopped + 3 sliced Kalamata olives + 2 tablespoons roasted red pepper hummus
Third stop – India
Raita: 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt + 2 tablespoons grated carrot + 1/8 teaspoon garam masala + 2 fresh mint leaves, chopped + 1/2 garlic clove, minced + 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice + pinch cayenne pepper + pinch salt
Spicy Chutney: 1/4 cup store-bought mango chutney + 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard + 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger + 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Fourth stop – Tropics
Mango Avocado Salsa: 1/4 mango, peeled and diced + 1/4 avocado, peeled and diced + 1 teaspoon minced red onion + 1/2 teaspoon honey + 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice + 1 teaspoon fresh- chopped cilantro
Jamaican Jerk: 2 tablespoons finely diced pineapple + 1 teaspoon orange juice + 1 teaspoon Jamaican Jerk seasoning + 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce + 1/2 clove garlic, minced
Last stop – Asia
Satay Sauce: 2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter + 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar + 1/2 tablespoon honey + 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander + 1 teaspoon fresh-chopped cilantro + pinch cayenne pepper
Korean Turkey Burgers with Kimchi
Serves 4.
All you need
- 1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 8 tsp Korean chile paste, divided
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
- 4 small whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
- 12 slices English cucumber
- 1 cup kimchi
All you do
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Combine turkey, scallions, 5 teaspoons chile paste and sesame oil in a medium bowl; gently knead together. Do not over-mix. Form into 4 burgers, about 4 inches wide.
- Oil the grill rack. Grill the burgers until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165 degree, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise and the remaining 3 teaspoons chile paste in a small bowl. Assemble the burgers on toasted buns with 2 teaspoons of the mayonnaise mixture, 3 slices cucumber and 1/4 cup kimchi each.
Source: Eating Well
Nutrition facts per serving: 341 calories, 12g fat, 3g saturated fat, 67mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 28g protein.
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
