The burger is one of the most satisfying yet simple foods, an icon of modern society. Empires have been built on this beef patty sandwich. Whether you like a gourmet burger of Angus beef on a brioche bun, a veggie burger, or something spicier with hot sauce, there are so many ways to create the burger you want. Some have perfected the art of the gourmet burger, however, and many burger joints have become famous for the way they do things. Here are some of the best-known burgers in the world.
Hamburger
The original and for many still the best. So good, in fact, that René Redzepi, of Copenhagen's Noma, the number one restaurant on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, has committed fully to his own pandemic era-inspired burger jointPopl. The history of the hamburger is contested, and some say it goes back to ancient Rome, but one theory about the invention of the modern hamburger is that it can be ascribed to Charlie Nagreen, later known as 'Hamburger Charlie', who in 1885 squashed a beef meatball between slices of bread so his customers could walk around eating.
Probably inspired by one of the greatest sandwiches of all time - the leftover turkey sandwich - this is a burger that might not be everyone's first choice, but should definitely be one all burger lovers get to know. Turkey is a delicious, tasty and dry meat that is packed full of flavour, making it a perfect alternative to red meat for a burger patty. Try this recipe and never look back.
Substituting the meat patty for a delicious, meaty, umami-packed grilled portobello mushroom will give you a vegan burger that will satisfy even the hungriest carnivore. Add mango and beansprouts for a fresh contrast of texture and flavour.
Elk burger
Lean, delicious and free-range, what's not to like? Elk meat, recently rising in popularity because of a certain bow-hunting podcast celebrity, is something Canadians and Scandinavians have been eating for millennia. It makes a mean burger too.
Of all fish, salmon makes probably the best fish patty for a burger. The main thing to consider is the source of your salmon and in general, farmed salmon should be avoided, so if you can, get your hands on wild salmon and grind it down for a salmon burger. The addition of dill, capers, mayo and ginger takes this burger the highest level. This recipe for salmon burgers adds quinoa for texture.
The longtime veggie burger staple, the bean burger can be explored once more by using different pulses for different flavours in your bean burger patty. Try this ultimate chickpea burger recipe, which relies on middle-eastern falafel recipes, for a satisfying vegetarian burger.
The addition of cheese transforms a burger... into a cheeseburger. But all joking aside, it just makes sense to add a layer of cheese to your burger, whether it's blue cheese or cheddar, you can't go wrong. Try this recipe for the ultimate cheeseburger, which calls for umami-packed Parmesan cheese.
Beyond meat burger
Taking all the headlines for the last few years, the beyond-meat burger has been one of those food innovations that has helped shift the dial on how people perceive plant-based food in general. Try it out and see for yourself.
The burger is a true food icon and yet the idea of it is whatever you want to be - it can be plant-based, meat-based or fish-based, and you can pretty much put in the burger whatever you want. Yet the burger remains one of those social foods that bring people together and is the perfect, easy dish to make for any occasion at home. You can't go wrong with a burger.
Read about sommelier and winemaker André Hueston Mack's passion for American ham, and his determination to put the oft-overlooked ingredient on the world map.
Naomi Tomky explores how intentional development has brought back black-owned businesses - and sumptuous soul food - to Seattle's Central District. Read on.
When compared with their European counterparts, American cheeses haven't always received the praise they deserve - until now. Big cheese Paul Feinstein takes up the case in favour of American cheese.
Is it BBQ or barbecue? High temp or low? Seasoned meat or straight? Where do you start with equipment and cuts? Master of meat, SLAB's Burt Bakman has the answers.
Surprisingly for some, Los Angeles isn't known for its al fresco dining scene, but that's all changing. Thanks to coronavirus restrictions, LA restaurants have been getting creative in upping their outdoor dining game. Here are some of the best.
Whatever the time of year, whatever the occasion, a honey-glazed ham can make any diner table complete. Here's how to make delicious honey glazed-ham at home.
Whether you're making it from scratch, or you're throwing together a store-cupboard special, discover all the ways to make the tastiest and most comforting of Thanksgiving side dishes.
Looking for new dessert ideas? Try this easy grape cake recipe: learn how to make a soft white grape cake, perfect for your Autumn meals and breakfasts.