These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are a tasty twist on the classic! Juicy beef patties are topped with teriyaki sauce, melty American cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a flavor punch!
Honestly, who can resist a burger that’s sweet, savory, and cheesy all at once? They’re perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner at home. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works too, just know it might be less juicy. You could also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan adds a lovely flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can work as a nice substitute. For a dairy-free option, you might use nutritional yeast for a similar nutty flavor.
Teriyaki Sauce: This is the star of the show! You can use store-bought or make your own. If you’re watching sugar intake, look for low-sugar teriyaki sauce or use coconut aminos for a different but sweet flavor.
American Cheese: While American cheese melts beautifully, cheddar or provolone are also decent options if you want to switch it up. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change.
Buns: Sesame seed buns add nice texture, but any burger bun will do. Try whole grain for a healthier twist, or go bunless and use lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
How Do I Make Perfectly Juicy Burger Patties?
Getting burger patties just right can be tricky. The key is to handle the meat gently! Overmixing can lead to dense and tough burgers.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until they’re just mixed—stop once everything is combined to keep the texture light.
- Form equal-sized patties; this ensures even cooking. Make a small depression in the center of each patty; this helps them stay flat and cook evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat to achieve that nice sear, and flip only once to maintain juiciness.
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise
For Serving:
- French fries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently combine all the ingredients until they’re just mixed—try not to overmix, as we want tender burgers.
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty. Aim for a uniform thickness so they cook evenly!
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them over and place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the burgers reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the sesame seed burger buns. You can do this on the grill or in a toaster for a nice golden finish!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Grab the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a lettuce leaf on it. Set the cooked patty with melted cheese on top, and give it a nice drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. If you’d like to add more flavor, top it with sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or a dab of mayonnaise before placing the top half of the bun on.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to dig in! Serve your yummy Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers with a side of crispy french fries. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these meats may cook faster. Also, you might want to add a bit more seasoning, as poultry can be milder in flavor compared to beef.
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar. For a more authentic flavor, add a dash of garlic and ginger. Use the same amount: 1/4 cup in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or rewarm them in a skillet over low heat to help maintain their moisture. If possible, add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it to help steam the burgers as they heat.
Can I Grill These Burgers Instead of Using a Skillet?
Yes, grilling is a fantastic option! Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for the same amount of time. Make sure to grease the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Enjoy the added smoky flavor from the grill!
