These Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers bring together juicy beef, a tasty teriyaki glaze, and melty American cheese, all piled high on a soft bun. They’re packed with flavor and super easy to whip up!
Every bite is a delicious mix of sweet and salty goodness. I usually make extra so I can enjoy leftovers – they taste even better the next day! Who doesn’t love a great burger night? 🍔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer 80% lean ground beef for juicy burgers. If you’re looking to reduce fat, you could switch to 90% lean or even ground turkey. Just keep in mind that leaner meat can dry out faster, so be gentle with cooking times.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have any, go for Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar if it fits your taste. Just remember, the cheese adds both flavor and moisture!
Teriyaki Sauce: This is where a lot of the flavor comes from! If you need a low-sodium option, look for a low-sodium teriyaki sauce. You can also make your own by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and a little ginger.
American Cheese: While I love American cheese for its meltability, you could substitute it with cheddar or Swiss for a different flavor. Just ensure it melts well on your burger!
Buns: Sesame seed buns add a nice crunch, but whole grain or brioche buns are great options too. Just pick what you like best!
How Can I Shape Perfect Burger Patties?
Shaping burger patties can be tricky, but follow these easy steps to get it right! The goal is to have even cooking and a nice texture.
- Use a gentle hand. Combine ingredients in a bowl, but don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Divide the mixture into four portions. Keep them slightly larger than the buns, as they will shrink while cooking.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb. This helps the burger stay flat and cook evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfect patties that cook beautifully every time!
How to Make Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers With American Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
- Optional: sliced pickles or jalapeños (for garnish)
- French fries (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so in just 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers ready to enjoy! It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until it’s just combined—don’t overmix, or the burgers can be tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Make them slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink a bit when cooking. This way, you’ll have perfect-sized burgers!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the burger patties on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side. When they’re nice and seared, flip them over.
4. Add Cheese:
After flipping the patties, place a slice of American cheese on each one. Cook them for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked the way you like them.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the sesame seed hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they’re golden brown. This gives your burgers a delicious crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a lettuce leaf on it. Add the cooked burger with the melted cheese on top, then drizzle a bit of teriyaki sauce over the cheese.
7. Finish and Serve:
Top each burger with the other half of the bun and serve them immediately! Pair with a side of crispy French fries and any extra toppings like pickles or jalapeños if you want a little kick. Enjoy your Teriyaki Parmesan Burgers!
Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of American Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap American cheese for any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. Just keep in mind that the melting properties might vary, so choose a cheese that melts well for a gooey texture!
What Can I Use Instead of Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a bit of garlic and ginger for flavor. This will mimic the sweet and savory profile of teriyaki sauce quite well!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
Can I Grill Frozen Burgers?
You can grill frozen burger patties, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If time is short, grill them straight from the freezer, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
