These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are a fun and tasty twist on the classic burger! With sweet teriyaki sauce and melty American cheese, they are bursting with flavor that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist the combo of sweet and cheesy? It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉 I love serving these with fries or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is great because it has enough fat for juicy burgers. However, you can use leaner beef if you prefer, or even ground turkey for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for mixing into the meat, adding flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and salty kick. If you have a low-sodium version, it’s a smart choice to control the salt. You could also swap in soy sauce mixed with a bit of brown sugar for a homemade alternative.
American Cheese: While classic for its meltiness, feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are traditional but whole-grain or gluten-free buns are great substitutes. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Shape the Perfect Burger Patty?
Getting your burger patties just right is key to making a good burger. Here are some steps to help you shape them effectively:
- Use cold ingredients—keeping the beef chilled helps maintain the fat for juiciness.
- Mix the meat gently with the other ingredients. Over mixing can create dense burgers.
- Divide the mixture evenly and shape into patties. Making an indentation in the center helps them cook evenly without puffing up.
When cooking, don’t press down on the patties with your spatula. This can squeeze out the juices, leaving you with a dry burger.
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- French fries (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook. In just around 30 minutes, you’ll have mouthwatering Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers ready to enjoy with a side of fries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix these ingredients gently, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make your burgers tough.
2. Shaping the Patties:
Once the mixture is well combined, divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty. To help the patties cook evenly and prevent puffing, make a small indentation in the center of each one.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re nicely browned on one side. Carefully flip each patty over.
4. Adding Cheese:
As soon as you flip the patties, place a slice of American cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 3-4 minutes so that the cheese melts and the burgers reach medium doneness. You can adjust the cooking time based on how you like your burgers.
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are finishing up, take your sesame seed hamburger buns and lightly toast them on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown and warm.
6. Assembling the Burgers:
It’s time to put everything together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a lettuce leaf if you like. Then add your cheesy burger patty, drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce, and top with the other half of the bun.
7. Serving:
Your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are now ready to serve! Pair them with a side of crispy French fries for a delightful meal. Enjoy your tasty creation!
## FAQ for Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind it might need a little extra moisture, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce to keep the burgers juicy.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you have extra buns, you can toast them lightly again for added crunch.
Can I Make Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can shape the patties ahead of time! Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you need to prep further in advance, consider freezing them; just be sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar or honey for a quick substitute. This will give you a nice sweet-salty flavor similar to teriyaki. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste!
