Here’s a new take on the American burger classic! Spice up your traditional barbecue menu by adding flavors from India.
Masala burgers would make a perfect addition to your spread this Memorial Day weekend. They’re a welcome change from regular beef burgers. I’ve made fusion burgers in the past, including keema burgers made with Indian-style ground beef. This time, I flavored hamburger patties with garam masala, ginger garlic paste, turmeric and red chili powder. I also changed the condiments; I substituted kachumbar (Indian salsa), my own concoction of raita (Indian yogurt sauce) and tamarind sauce for the ordinary ketchup, mayo, mustard and pickle relish.
1. Info for Masala Burger Recipe
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 120kcal
2. Ingredients for Masala Burger Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons raw red onions, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (see tips)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), melted
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons jalapeño pepper (to taste), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1-¼ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons canola oil, as needed
- ¼ cup caramelized onions (see tips)
- ½ cup date-tamarind chutney, optional
- ½ cup spicy kachumbar (Indian-style salsa)
- 3/4 cup raita
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
3. Directions:
- Lightly oil a large mixing bowl with a silicone brush. Combine the ground beef, red onions, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, turmeric powder, red chili powder, paprika, garam masala, green chile pepper and fresh mint. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Mix well.
- Checking the seasoning: In a small pan, heat about 1 teaspoon of canola oil. Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes. Taste the meat. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Finish by adding the melted ghee to the meat mixture.
- Grease disposable gloves with oil. Form 6 round patties and place them on a tray. Chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes (this step will make the cooking of the patties much easier).
- Remove the patties from the freezer. Brush the patties with a little oil.
- Brush a grill pan with the remaining canola oil. Grill all the hamburger buns. Transfer to a platter.
- On the same grill pan, place the patties. Cook for about 3-4minutes on each side (covered) until there is a nicely browned crust and there are grilling marks on both sides of the patties. Transfer to a platter.
- Spread a thin layer of date-tamarind chutney on each bun. Spoon raita. Stack a beef burger and kachumbar. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of caramelized onions on the other bun side. Finish with the top of the bun.
- Serve immediately.
- Bon appétit!
