It’s hard to beat the simple deliciousness of a class burger. Perfectly seasoned and seared beef, melted cheese, a soft toasted roll, lettuce, tomato – maybe a couple of pickle slices – all combine for an amazing taste.
But one component that sometimes falls flat is its usual condiment, ketchup. If you want to take a classic and make it really stand out in a crowd, here’s a tip to add a unique topping to rival anything coming out of a red glass bottle.
Strawberry Burgers Forever
No, we’re not talking about breakfast toast toppings or a sandwich partner for peanut butter. Doctor up some strawberry jam to make your own sweet, tangy and savory burger sauce. Think about it … strawberries actually have a flavor profile very similar to tomatoes. And ketchup is mostly made out of corn syrup, so sweetness is already a part of a classic burger’s allure.
To make strawberry ketchup, dump a small jar of seedless strawberry jam or preserves into a saucepan. Add:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- a squirt of hot sauce (I love to use the sweet heat of sriracha)
- pinch of ground cloves
- dash of kosher salt
- few grinds of cracked black pepper
Warm over low heat until nicely combined. Cool the mixture while you prep the burgers.
A Classic Burger Base, With a Twist
Always use high-quality meat freshly ground from your butcher. Anything pre-packaged starts to oxidize and you can quickly lose flavor. Season the patties well with salt and pepper. This is crucial!
Cook to your desired doneness in a hot pan. Try a creamy cheese that’ll pair well with fruitiness, such as provolone or gouda. Since there is a lot of flavor in the spread, all you really need is some crisp lettuce to top it off. If you are really feeling the strawberry love, a few slices of ripe berries won’t hurt, either.
Serve on lightly toasted buns, with extra strawberry ketchup on the side.
Enjoy your new life.
