In The Kitchen with Laura McKenna: Burger Tips

May 28th is National Burger Day!

Despite being a vegetarian, I know my way around a delicious burger. It’s alllll about the toppings and I think there’s something that’s way underutilized: ONIONS!

Now I love onions in all form and fashion: red, sweet, caramelized, raw. You name it, I’ll eat ’em.

I also love an onion or pretzel bun. Yum! It just changes the whole flavor profile of the burger.

But the one onion that is way underused is the French Fried Onion. Yup, those canned onions that most people only use on Thanksgiving for Green Bean Casserole and then never buy them or eat them the rest of the year.

It’s sad. Because they are what your favorite burger is missing!

They add crunch, saltiness, and onion pizazz that you need! Try them on your next burger. I think you’ll love it.

And speaking of being a vegetarian, let me also give you the secret to the perfect veggie burger for those not really familiar with cooking or eating them.

The reason you may think they’re gross is because most people way overcook them. Veggie burgers don’t have any of the cooties that need cooked out of meat so you really just need to heat them through. Get some grill marks on them and then get them the heck off the grill.

Leaving a veggie burger on the grill as long as your meat burgers will lead to a dried out, cardboard-tasting hockey puck. And of course, that will be gross.

But a thoroughly heated, perfectly cooked veggie burger is quite delicious and I’ll agree some brands are better than others. So feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Then go nuts with toppings- the more the merrier! From mustards and aioli to ketchup and BBQ sauce. Flavor up the burger with different cheeses, lettuces, and even a crunchy cucumber slice (not just a pickle) or a grilled pineapple ring. Don’t get stuck in a boring burger rut. There’s no wrong way to eat them…

Want to contact Laura McKenna about one of your favorite ways to eat a burger? Anything else on your mind? Email anytime, she’d love to hear from you: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
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