These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are a fun twist on your usual burger! Juicy beef patties are mixed with teriyaki sauce and grated Parmesan for a tasty kick, topped with melty American cheese.
They’re so delicious, you might just forget about regular burgers! I love to serve them with fresh lettuce and a toasted bun for a great flavor combo. Perfect for a summer cookout! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers, with enough fat to keep them moist. If you want a leaner option, you can use 90/10 beef, but watch for dryness. Turkey or chicken can also work if you’re looking for lighter protein.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor and moisture. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Teriyaki Sauce: This gives a sweet and savory kick. If you want to control the sweetness, consider making your own with soy sauce, honey, and garlic. You could also try a soy sauce alternative like coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
American Cheese: While it melts beautifully, you can switch it up with cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor. However, keep in mind that not all cheeses melt as smoothly.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but feel free to swap for brioche or whole wheat buns if you prefer. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold up against the juicy burger.
How Do I Keep My Burger Patties from Puffing Up?
Preventing burgers from puffing up during cooking can be tricky. The key is to create an indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and maintain their shape.
- After shaping your patty, use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small dip in the center.
- This indentation ensures when the burgers cook, they won’t puff up in the middle.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat as well, as this can lead to a tougher texture. Just mix until combined.
Using these tips, you’ll have perfectly shaped and tender burgers every time!
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers With American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 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 hamburger buns (sesame seed preferred)
- Lettuce leaves, for topping
- Optional: sliced tomatoes, pickles, and onions for garnish
For Serving:
- French fries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Patty Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want the burgers tender and juicy!
2. Shaping the Burger Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty. To help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up, make a small indentation in the center of each patty.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. This helps them form a nice crust.
4. Adding Cheese and Finishing Up:
Carefully flip the patties and place a slice of American cheese on each one. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties finish cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch to your burger.
6. Assembling the Burgers:
To put the burgers together, start with the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top, then add the juicy cheeseburger patty. Drizzle a bit more teriyaki sauce over the patty if you like extra flavor!
7. Add Optional Toppings:
If you want, add sliced tomatoes, pickles, or onions on top of the burger. Then, place the top half of the bun to finish it off.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers immediately with a side of crispy French fries. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time since turkey can cook a bit faster. Consider adding a bit more teriyaki sauce to maintain moisture in the burgers.
What Can I Use Instead of American Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of American cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just slice it thin and add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it melts nicely over the burgers.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
You can store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on a skillet or in the microwave. If you prefer, you can freeze the uncooked patties, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance. Just form them and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This helps the flavors meld and makes for a quicker cooking time when you’re ready to grill!
