Burgers have been around since the late 1800s and we’re still finding ways to improve them. Whether it’s a new gourmet burger restaurant or an ambitious Dad looking to serve the best burgers at his family BBQ, new unique burgers are always being concocted.
How do you order a great burger when the possibilities are endless? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how to order a burger like a pro.
Get It Cooked Right
Americans are fortunate enough to choose how they want their burgers cooked. Other places around the world, like Canada, have strict laws on how burgers must be cooked. It is actually illegal for Canadian restaurants to serve hamburger meat that’s tempting at less than 71 degrees Celsius (the temperature of a well-done steak).
You can order your burger anywhere between mid-rare to well at many U.S. restaurants. Follow this link to find one of our favorite burger joints that will cook your burger just the way you like it.
If you’re after a big juicy burger, go for medium-rare. This leaves you with a juicy and red center with a nice char on the outside.
Try a Different Meat
Hamburger isn’t the only meat on the market these days. You can find unique and delicious burgers made with many different types of meat.
Elk burgers provide more protein than their beef counterparts and are lower in fat. The meat is lean and tender which makes for a tasty and healthy alternative to beef.
Bison burgers taste similar to your traditional burger, but their nutritional profile is much healthier. Bison is lean, tender, and a little sweet with one-fifth the amount of fat as a beef burger.
Salmon burgers are another tasty and healthy option. Chock full of omega-3s, salmon can help lower your risk of heart disease.
If you’re looking to increase your veggie intake, portabello mushrooms make great burger alternatives. They have an umami flavor that can trick you into thinking you’re eating real meat.
Go For the Fancy Bun
There’s nothing wrong with a traditional burger bun, but if given a choice, try something different. Here are some of our picks for the best hamburger bun alternatives:
- Ciabatta roll
- Onion roll
- Potato roll
- Pretzel bun
- Brioche bun
Choose the Right Toppings
The toppings you choose can transform it from a regular run-of-the-mill burger to something extraordinary.
Here are some of the best burger toppings to consider:
- Avocado
- Pickled onions
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Bacon
- Fried egg
- Sauerkraut
- Caramelized onions
- Jalapenos
- Pickles
- Pineapple
- Coleslaw
Get Creative With Sauces
Ketchup and mustard might be okay sauces for burgers at your backyard BBQ, but you can get a little more creative when ordering at a restaurant.
Here are some of the tastiest sauces to consider when ordering a burger:
- Aoili
- Sriracha mayo
- Dijonnaise
- Horseradish
- Pesto
- Chipotle mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Thousand island dressing
- Bacon jam
- Peanut butter
- Strawberry preserves
- Cocktail sauce
- Chimichurri
Rethink Your Cheese
Cheese is one of the must-haves when ordering a burger. You don’t need to stick with boring old cheddar, either. Nearly any type of cheese can taste great on a burger if you choose complementary toppings.
Some of our favorite cheeses for burgers are:
- Feta
- Havarti
- Blue cheese
- Brie
- Goat
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Pepperjack
How To Order a Burger Like a Pro
Now that you know how to order a burger like a pro, your next restaurant meal will be unforgettable. Keep browsing our food and recipe blogs for more great tips and inspiration.
