Imagine sinking your teeth into a burger that combines the smoky, savory flavors of Korean BBQ with the juicy comforts of a classic American burger. Our Korean-Inspired Beef Burgers with BBQ Glaze, Chili Mayo, and Kimchi Slaw encapsulate this delightful fusion. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy family dinner, these burgers offer a unique twist on traditional flavors that will keep your taste buds intrigued and satisfied.
The key to the irresistibility of these burgers lies in the bold seasonings and toppings. The beef patties are expertly seasoned with fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil before being glazed with a sweet-spicy Korean-style sauce. As if that wasn’t enough, we top it off with a creamy chili mayo and a crunchy kimchi slaw, creating a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a complete beginner, this recipe offers a straightforward yet mouthwatering experience.
One of the many benefits of these burgers is their versatility. You can easily adapt them to various dietary preferences—swap out the beef for ground chicken or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Plus, the time you spend making these lovely burgers is well worth the flavorful payoff. Grab your apron and prepare to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Korean-Inspired Beef Burgers
- Flavor explosion: The blend of Korean BBQ sauce, chili mayo, and spicy kimchi slaw creates a delightful contrast that excites your palate.
- Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these burgers are easy to prepare and perfect for any level of cooking experience.
- Versatile options: Easily substitute ground beef with chicken or tofu for a healthier or vegetarian meal.
- Great for gatherings: Ideal for BBQs or parties, these burgers will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure your kitchen is set up for success. Gather your ingredients and tools beforehand to streamline the cooking process. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the beef and seasonings, a skillet or grill for cooking the patties, and a small saucepan to prepare the BBQ glaze. Make sure you have utensils such as a whisk and spatula handy for mixing and flipping. If you’re working with fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic, a good-quality grater or knife will come in handy.
It’s also a good idea to prepare your workspace by cleaning and organizing your counters, as a clutter-free environment promotes better focus in the kitchen. Finally, remember to have your serving platters ready for when the burgers come off the grill. Once you have everything in place, you’ll find the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup soy sauce (for BBQ glaze)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for BBQ glaze)
- 1½ teaspoons chili garlic sauce (for BBQ glaze)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for BBQ glaze)
- ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger (for BBQ glaze)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for BBQ glaze)
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon honey (for BBQ glaze)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for chili mayo)
- ¾ teaspoon chili garlic sauce (for chili mayo)
- 1½ teaspoons finely minced green onion (for chili mayo)
- 2½ cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (for kimchi slaw)
- 2 teaspoons honey (for kimchi slaw)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (for kimchi slaw)
- ¾ cup chopped kimchi
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, add the ground beef and gently separate it with your hands. Incorporate the minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat; just mix until the ingredients are combined. After mixing, divide the beef mixture into four equal portions, then shape each portion into patties that are slightly wider than the buns. To ensure even cooking, create a small dimple in the center of each patty. Cover these patties and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 45 to 60 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. Keep an eye on the mixture as you stir continuously to prevent it from sticking. As it heats, the sauce will begin to thicken and take on a glossy appearance. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in the honey. Make sure to keep the glaze warm, which will give an added delicious touch to the burgers when it’s time to serve.
Step 3: Prepare the Chili Garlic Mayo
For the chili garlic mayo, combine mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and finely minced green onion in a small bowl. Mix until fully blended and cover the bowl until you’re ready to use it, allowing the flavors to meld nicely.
Step 4: Create the Kimchi Slaw
In a medium bowl, toss together the finely shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and chopped kimchi until the cabbage is thoroughly coated. Chilling the slaw will enhance its flavors while ensuring it remains fresh and crunchy.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Once the patties have rested for about 10 minutes at room temperature, heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully seared and cooked to your preference. Let the burgers rest for about 5 minutes after cooking; this helps retain their juices.
Step 6: Assemble Your Burger
To finish off your burgers, dip each patty into the warm BBQ glaze, ensuring both sides are coated. Spread the chili garlic mayo generously over the toasted buns. Place the glazed beef patty on each bottom bun, loading it up with a hefty amount of kimchi slaw. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun.
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Alternatively, think about grilled or pan-seared tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch within the kimchi slaw, enhancing the texture further.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices or sauces—such as gochujang—for an alternative depth of flavor in both the patties and the glaze.
Cooking Notes
- Letting the burger patties rest in the refrigerator helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the patties in the soy sauce and seasoning mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these burgers with sweet potato fries or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with extra kimchi on the side to enhance the meal and allow guests to customize their flavors.
Tips
- When grilling, resist the urge to press down on the patties with a spatula; this can squeeze out the juices and lead to dry burgers.
- To make ahead, prepare and refrigerate the BBQ glaze and chili mayo two days in advance, saving valuable time on the day of serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make these burgers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Additionally, the chili mayo and BBQ glaze can also be made ahead of time to save on prep time.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in the chili mayo mix.
Can I freeze the cooked burgers?
Absolutely! These burgers can be frozen after cooking. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped or sealed and consumed within three months for the best flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
While the chili mayo and glaze add a kick, the spiciness can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Utilize less chili garlic sauce or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Korean-Inspired Beef Burgers with BBQ Glaze, Chili Mayo & Kimchi Slaw bring an exciting twist to burger night! With delectable flavors, easy preparation, and versatile options, these burgers are bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Encouraging experimentation and personal touches in the kitchen is key; feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste. We invite you to try this recipe, share your variations, and let us know in the comments how much you enjoyed these bold and flavorful burgers!
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Korean-Inspired Beef Burgers with BBQ Glaze
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Imagine sinking your teeth into a burger that combines the smoky, savory flavors of Korean BBQ with the juicy comforts of a classic American burger.
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- ½ cup soy sauce (for BBQ glaze)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for BBQ glaze)
- 1½ teaspoons chili garlic sauce (for BBQ glaze)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for BBQ glaze)
- ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger (for BBQ glaze)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for BBQ glaze)
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon honey (for BBQ glaze)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for chili mayo)
- ¾ teaspoon chili garlic sauce (for chili mayo)
- 1½ teaspoons finely minced green onion (for chili mayo)
- 2½ cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (for kimchi slaw)
- 2 teaspoons honey (for kimchi slaw)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (for kimchi slaw)
- ¾ cup chopped kimchi
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef and gently separate it with your hands. Incorporate the minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat; just mix until the ingredients are combined. After mixing, divide the beef mixture into four equal portions, then shape each portion into patties that are slightly wider than the buns. To ensure even cooking, create a small dimple in the center of each patty. Cover these patties and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 45 to 60 minutes to firm up.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. Keep an eye on the mixture as you stir continuously to prevent it from sticking. As it heats, the sauce will begin to thicken and take on a glossy appearance. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in the honey. Make sure to keep the glaze warm, which will give an added delicious touch to the burgers when it’s time to serve.
- For the chili garlic mayo, combine mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and finely minced green onion in a small bowl. Mix until fully blended and cover the bowl until you’re ready to use it, allowing the flavors to meld nicely.
- In a medium bowl, toss together the finely shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and chopped kimchi until the cabbage is thoroughly coated. Chilling the slaw will enhance its flavors while ensuring it remains fresh and crunchy.
- Once the patties have rested for about 10 minutes at room temperature, heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully seared and cooked to your preference. Let the burgers rest for about 5 minutes after cooking; this helps retain their juices.
- To finish off your burgers, dip each patty into the warm BBQ glaze, ensuring both sides are coated. Spread the chili garlic mayo generously over the toasted buns. Place the glazed beef patty on each bottom bun, loading it up with a hefty amount of kimchi slaw. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the bun.
Notes
These Korean-Inspired Beef Burgers with BBQ Glaze are perfect for BBQs, gatherings, and any family meals!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 25 g