Burger night, homemade and improved version: ideas for meat, buns, sauces and sides
A fast food chain has been selling the idea that you can order your burger "to your liking" for decades. And yes, you can. But if you really want it to be the way you want it at all levels: meat texture, bun, custom-made sauce... the most direct way is to prepare it at home.
The key is to stop thinking only about the hamburger and start thinking about all its elements. If you make one or two of them at home (for example, the sauce and a topping), the rest can be bought and even then the result changes, and improves, a lot.
Here are some ideas and recipes for you to be the boss of your own burger from A to Z.
1) The base: hamburgers and patties for all tastes
Beef patty
Small balls of minced meat, griddle very hot and flattened. With high heat, you gain crust and flavor at full speed; apply this technique to maximize browning (Maillard reaction). Then cook to your preferred doneness. Practical note: if you are working with minced meat, remember that safety rules; the standard reference for beef/minced meat is 161 °F/71 ºC in the center.
Do you want to cook your ground beef patty to perfection? Today, Petitchef is sharing its best tips for a patty that’s juicy on the inside and nicely browned on the outside! :-)
Vegetarian hamburger
Hamburger patties don't have to be made of meat. Try our delicious vegetarian patty :) The main base is red beans. Delicious.
Steaks don't have to be made of meat! This recipe for vegetarian steaks proves it ↓
2) Breads: the support that stands up to everything
Classic sesame bread roll
The traditional one, but homemade and lightly toasted to keep it warm.
If you're planning to make homemade burgers, why not make the buns too, to make sure they turn out perfectly? You'll see that they're much easier to make than you think :-)
Brioche
Slightly sweet, gentle with sauces and juices; it gives a sophisticated, original and very personal touch to your classic hamburger.
Start your day on a cloud with THE recipe for extra-soft, pull-apart brioche. This brioche is made with very little butter, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty :-) Perfectly risen, this delight will make for a wonderful breakfast or afternoon...
Alternatives to bread
When you want all the protagonism to go to the filling (and you feel like something lighter). Here are 2 options: substitute the bun with pumpkin or tomato. Less calories and a lot of pleasure.
How about using butternut squash for something other than soups and purées? Swap your bread for slices of butternut squash in your burgers! A melt-in-your-mouth result packed with flavor is guaranteed ;-) For your hamburger filling, choose...
Craving a hamburger but feeling guilty about indulging in this American specialty? Replace the bread with a fruit ;-) Yes, you read that right: A FRUIT! Grab your biggest, juiciest tomato, cut it in half, and use it instead of bread! Skewer it all with...
3) Sauces for the burger or its "side dishes"
A good sauce does two jobs: it unites (everything tastes like something common) and it contrasts (sour, sweet, spicy, salty). Here are four that cover just about any craving:
Big Mac Sauce
Removing the classic ketchup and mustard we could say this is the "special" burger sauce. Mayonnaise and mustard base with pickles and a slight sour point: it comes out in minutes and fixes almost any combination.
If you're a burger lover, you almost certainly know the Big Mac. So you probably also know what makes it special... The sauce, of course! A mayonnaise-based creation that's slightly tangy and sweet at the same time... Well, today we're finally...
Honey mustard sauce
Creamy, sinewy but sweet; goes especially well with grilled meat.
Looking for new sauces to serve with your meals? Pair your grilled meats and fries with this blend of mustard, mayonnaise, and honey. A sweet-and-savory combination that brings together zing and sweetness. Don't forget to let us know what you think in...
Blue cheese sauce
Roquefort or gorgonzola: for those who don't come to play. A spoonful changes the burger.
A culinary preparation worth knowing. Gorgonzola sauce has an intense, rich flavor characterized by the cheese’s blue-veined notes: its milky flavors are balanced by delicate bitter and spicy nuances, while the lingering aftertaste offers a...
Lactonnaise (eggless)
Milk mayonnaise, silky, lighter in mouth and practical if you do not want to work with raw egg. Very good with vegetable or chicken burgers.
Not everyone likes mayonnaise, whether store-bought or homemade. Many people also dislike eating raw eggs. Lactonesa is the solution! It's much smoother and lighter. Plus, since it doesn't contain raw eggs, it lasts longer in the refrigerator. In just...
4) Toppings: texture, contrast
This is where your burger stops being "meat on a bun" and starts having layers.
Pickled onion
Tangy, crunchy and ready without waiting days!
For those who don't know, pickles are vegetables that are marinated in vinegar and served as condiments in many dishes! The term comes from the English verb "to pickle," which means "to preserve in brine" . This allows vegetables to be kept longer...
Caramelized onion
Sweet, deep and mellow; asks for patience but it's worth it.
Onion confit is one of those simple preparations that carries a deep, enveloping flavor. Cooked slowly in olive oil , butter or both, the onion is transformed: its acidity gives way to a delicate sweetness, its texture becomes soft and almost...
Oven fried onion
For the toasted touch and the "crack" when biting, without frying in oil and adding unnecessary calories.
Crispy onions , that crunchy and tasty side dish that elevates any dish , have a healthier and easier-to-prepare version: baked in the oven . Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, simply serve them with burgers , tacos or other types...
Pico de gallo
Fresh and sparkling; great on veggie burgers.
Let's go to Mexico! With this "Pico de gallo" sauce and these homemade tortilla chips, the appetizer promises to be fresh, sunny, and spicy: sure to delight your taste buds and those of your guests :-D To make these two ultra-simple recipes, we provide...
Plum jam
The sweet side well used; works especially with cheddar or goat cheese.
Enjoy seasonal fruits by making delicious homemade jams! Today, we offer you an easy and foolproof recipe for plum jam. With just 3 ingredients, follow the steps to recreate it. A great way to start your mornings off right :-)
5) Garnishes and side dishes
For a complete experience, accompany your hamburger with one of these snacks.
Crispy French fries
Remove some of the starch and double cook and you'll get the crispiest fries you've ever tasted. And... little more to say, the burger + fries pairing needs no defense.
With this step-by-step recipe, we show you how to make crispy, easy homemade French fries. Foolproof, you'll soon realize that making fries is an art! ;-) Kids and adults alike won't be able to resist them! Serve them with your Sunday chicken or...
Deluxe Wedge Fries
Spicy, easy to make and perfect for baking in the oven or in a airfryer!
Air fryer fries are a great option for anyone looking for a healthier, more practical side dish . But how do you make them light and crispy ? Although they’re very simple to prepare, a few steps are essential for great results. There’s a secret...
Sweet potato chips
Lighter, with that sweetness that goes great with tangy sauces.
Are you tired of the usual potato chips, store-bought crackers, and pâté on toast at snack time? It's time for a change! Here's a nutritious and delicious alternative : sweet potato chips. This healthy snack is not only easy to prepare, but it's...
Homemade nuggets
Another great classic from the fast food chains.
Craving chicken? Make it crispy by making homemade nuggets! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover Sunday chicken or chicken cutlets that have been sitting in the fridge!\nEasy to make, all you need to do is blend the ingredients, coat the...
Caesar salad
Caesar makes sense next to a burger because it acts as a counterpoint: cold vs. hot, fresh vs. greasy.
A classic, you’ve probably ordered a "Caesar salad" at a restaurant before ;-) Why not make it at home this time? It’s very easy to make, and the secret to this salad topped with chicken strips lies mainly in the dressing! Simple and satisfying for...
Patricia González
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