Best Seasoning for Burgers: Elevate Your Burger Game

Burgers are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But let’s face it… plain burgers can be boring. The good news is that with the right seasoning, you can take your burgers to the next level. Today we will explore the best seasonings for grilling burgers that will elevate your burger game and make your taste buds dance!

1. Salt and Pepper: The Classic Combo

Let’s start with the basics so you can have a GREAT burger for friends and family… or just yourself. Salt and pepper are the classic seasonings that every burger needs because they just taste great. They bring out the natural flavor of the beef and create a perfect balance of salty and peppery taste. You should season your burger patties generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.

2. Garlic Powder: Add Some Flavor

Garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that can add flavor to any dish and burgers are no exception. I think this is an excellent choice for those who want to add a savory flavor to their burgers without overpowering the burger’s meat. You can sprinkle some garlic powder on your burger patties before grilling, or mix it with other seasonings to create a unique flavor everyone should love.

3. Onion Powder: A Sweet and Savory Flavor

I think onion powder is another seasoning that adds a sweet and savory flavor to burgers while being easy to do. It’s made from dehydrated onions and has a concentrated flavor that is perfect for burgers. You can use it alone or combine it with garlic powder to create a delicious seasoning blend.

4. Paprika: For a Smoky Flavor

Paprika is a seasoning that is made from ground sweet peppers, and is another one of my favorites to add. It adds a smoky flavor to burgers and is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food. You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika, depending on your preference: but my recommendation is to use smoked paprika to get a bit of spice. As usual, you can mix it with other seasonings to create a unique flavor.

5. Chili Powder: A Little Spice

Chili powder is a common blend of spices most people have at home on hand. The powder includes cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. It adds a little heat and a lot of flavor to burgers. If you like your burgers spic then sprinkle some chili powder on your burger patties before grilling for more flavor.

6. Worcestershire Sauce: A Secret Ingredient

Worcestershire sauce is a secret ingredient that many people use to flavor their burgers.

This is one of my absolute favorites and most people have never thought to even try this on a burger. If you are not familiar already: t’s a sauce that is made from vinegar, molasses, and spices, and it adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor to burgers. be sure to add it to your burger meat before grilling, not after.

7. Soy Sauce: For Umami Flavor

Soy sauce is another secret ingredient that can add a rich, savory, and umami flavor to burgers. It’s made from fermented soybeans and wheat and is an excellent choice for those who want to add some depth to their burgers. This is the way to go if you want a more Asian flavor and just to do something a little different.

8. Steak Seasoning: A Beefy Flavor

Steak seasoning is a blend of spices that is designed to enhance the natural flavor of beef.

It’s perfect for burgers because it adds a beefy flavor that is hard to resist. 

I would use this one when you have a larger burger. It wont turn out so well on a super thin patty such as the kind you would use when making smash burgers.

9. Mustard: A Tangy Twist

Mustard is a tangy and slightly acidic seasoning that can add a unique flavor to burgers. Not too much explanation here as everyone knows what mustard is. You either like or not. Personally I use mustard when going with a more classic style of burger with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.

You can use plain yellow mustard or Dijon mustard, depending on your preference.

10. BBQ Sauce: For a Sweet and Smoky Flavor

BBQ sauce is a sweet and smoky seasoning that is perfect for burgers and loved by just about everyone I know. It’s made from a blend of tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices and it can add a rich and complex flavor to your burger. Brush some BBQ sauce on your burger patties during the last few minutes of grilling burgers to get that caramelized and smoky flavor.

Note: you do not need to use the BBQ sauce before cooking the burger – only add it once it’s done.

11. Lemon Juice: A Citrusy Flavor

Lemon juice is not often used but it will add a citrusy flavor to your burgers. It’s perfect for those who want to add a fresh and tangy taste to their burgers.

All you need to do is squeeze some lemon juice over your burger patties after grilling or mix it with other seasonings for a unique flavor. 

12. Cumin: For a Warm and Earthy Flavor

Cumin is a spice that adds a warm and earthy flavor to burgers.

It’s perfect for those who want to add a hint of exotic flavor to their burgers.

Mix it with other seasonings or sprinkle it on your burger patties before grilling for the fullest flavor.

13. Rosemary: A Classic Herb Flavor

Rosemary is a classic herb that can add a fresh and fragrant flavor to almost any meat dish – including burgers. It’s perfect for those who want to add a classic and timeless taste to their burgers. I recommend only using a sprinkle of it on your burger patties before grilling – otherwise it can be overpowering.

14. Thyme: A Flavorful Herb

Thyme is another herb that can add a flavorful taste to burgers. It’s perfect for those who want to add an earthy and slightly minty flavor to their burgers. Be sure to add it to your burger patties before grilling.

15. Cheese: A Delicious Topping

This is everyone’s favorite burger topping! While not technically a seasoning… cheese is a delicious topping that can add a lot of flavor to burgers. Whether you prefer cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese, adding cheese to your burger can elevate the taste and texture of your burger.

Keep in mind that the best seasoning for burgers depends on your taste preferences. From the classic salt and pepper to the more exotic cumin and rosemary, there is a seasoning for every palate. Experiment with different seasonings and find your perfect burger flavor. And you should remember to also add toppings like cheese, bacon, and veggies to further elevate your burger game.

Burger Seasoning FAQs:

1. Can I use more than one seasoning for my burger patties?

Absolutely! Mixing different seasonings can create a unique and delicious flavor profile for your burgers.

2. Can I use pre-made seasoning blends for my burgers?

Yes, pre-made seasoning blends can be a convenient and delicious option for seasoning your burgers.

3. How much seasoning should I use for my burger patties?

A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of seasoning per 1 pound of ground beef. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

4. Can I season my burger patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can season your burger patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to grill.

5. What is the best way to cook a burger with seasoning?

Grilling is the best way to cook burgers with seasoning because it allows the flavors to develop and caramelize. 

     6. Can I use frozen burgers?

Yes. Using frozen burgers is fine – but it’s not the ideal way to make burgers. Try to use fresh meat when possible.