These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are a fun twist on the classic! Juicy beef patties are topped with a sweet teriyaki sauce and melty American cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
Who can resist a burger with that much cheesy goodness? I love grilling these up for friends; the sweet and savory combo always gets rave reviews. Perfect for BBQ nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too, but keep in mind they may need extra seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, or omit it entirely.
Teriyaki Sauce: This is essential for a sweet and savory kick. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for low-sodium or sugar-free teriyaki sauces available at stores. You can also blend soy sauce with honey or maple syrup as a homemade alternative.
American Cheese: Though it melts beautifully, feel free to replace it with cheddar or Swiss cheese if you prefer those flavors. Just make sure they melt well!
Sesame Seed Burger Buns: While these are classic for teriyaki burgers, any type of bun works! Whole wheat or lettuce wraps can be great alternatives, especially for a lighter meal.
How Do I Shape Perfect Burger Patties?
Shaping burger patties can be tricky, especially if you want them to cook evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when you handle the meat.
- Take an equal portion of the meat mixture and gently shape it into a ball. Then, press it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Avoid packing it tightly to keep them juicy.
- Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them stay flat while cooking and prevents bowing.
Remember, the key is to handle the meat as little as possible so the patties stay tender!
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Lettuce leaves (for garnish)
- French fries (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll spend roughly 30 minutes total from start to finish. It’s a quick, tasty meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Burger Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender!
2. Shaping the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it gently into a patty shape. Try to keep the patties about the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until they are nicely browned. Carefully flip the patties over to cook the other side.
4. Melting the Cheese:
After flipping the patties, immediately add a slice of American cheese on top of each burger. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the sesame seed burger buns. You can do this on the grill for a few seconds or in a toaster until golden brown.
6. Assembling the Burgers:
Start putting the burgers together! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a piece of lettuce. Then add the cooked patty with melted cheese on top. Drizzle some extra teriyaki sauce over the cheese for that yummy flavor!
7. Finishing Up:
Place the top half of the bun over the sauce to complete your burger masterpiece!
8. Serving:
Serve the teriyaki parmesan burgers hot with a side of crispy French fries. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef. You might also want to add a touch more teriyaki sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar crunchy texture and salty flavor. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste for a dairy-free option. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the patties before cooking, placing parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, and they can be kept for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the burger patties in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also shape and freeze them for later use. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling, and they’ll be ready to cook!
