These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers are a fun twist on your classic burger! Juicy beef patties are marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce and topped with gooey American cheese. Yum!
Honestly, the mixture of flavors is a real treat. Who knew teriyaki and cheese could get along so well? I love serving these with crispy fries for the perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I used 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works too, but be prepared for a drier burger. For a twist, try ground turkey or chicken; these will change the flavor but still taste great!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor to the burgers. If you have pecorino Romano, that can be a bold substitute, or you could use grated mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.
Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce offers sweetness and umami. If you’re short on teriyaki, a soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar can work in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free soy sauce or liquid aminos.
American Cheese: It’s the classic melty choice for burgers! If you want a gourmet touch, swap it for cheddar or gouda. Just keep in mind that the melting point may vary.
How Do I Make Sure My Burgers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy burgers is mixing the ingredients carefully. You want everything combined but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meat tough. Gently form your patties and make them slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Combine beef, Parmesan, teriyaki sauce, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form into patties and indent the center so they stay flat while cooking.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high before placing the patties on it.
- Cook them without pressing down to retain those juices, and flip only once.
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers With American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for topping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp 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 delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Burger Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and some salt and pepper. Use your hands (or a spoon) to mix everything together gently. Try not to overwork the meat so your burgers stay nice and juicy!
2. Forming the Patties:
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into 4 equal parts. Shape each part into a burger patty, making them a bit larger than your burger buns because they’ll shrink a little while cooking. You want them to fit perfectly!
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the burger patties on the grill. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This lets them get a nice sear. Then, flip the burgers over and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until they reach your preferred doneness and the cheese is perfectly melted.
4. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, take your sesame seed buns and lightly toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor to your burgers!
5. Assembling the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Then, stack on your teriyaki Parmesan burger patty that has the melted cheese. Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce over the top, if you’d like. Finally, put the top half of the bun on to complete your burger.
6. Serving Time:
Serve your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers right away with a side of crispy French fries. Enjoy every bite of this tasty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember that turkey can be drier than beef, so you might want to add a bit more teriyaki sauce or even a tablespoon of oil to help keep the patties moist.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor as well!
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You could also top your burgers with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked patties, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months!
