We all know the quintessential toppings you put on a burger: lettuce, onion, cheese, and more. Of course, these iconic toppings make a burger absolutely mouthwatering. You'll struggle to find a bad burger with these toppings, but the flavors can become too familiar and monotonous. However, there are so many other exciting, unique, delicious toppings you can put on your burger this summer.
The Burger
Before you begin assembling your creation, you have to start with a good base. Even the tastiest of toppings will fall flat on a dry, tasteless patty. You've likely had the tastiest burgers you remember at a restaurant, but don't fret-you can get that same quality right at home. That's why grilling your burger is essential. Grilling gives you more temperature control and makes for a flavorful, juicy bite.
Cheese It Up
If you feel excited to try new things but don't want to tread out too far just yet, switching up the cheese is the best place to start. There are countless types of cheese available, and nearly every single one works great on a burger. Sharp cheddar pairs wonderfully with red meat, but you may also consider trying goat cheese, Roquefort, Brie, or Leicester. Each type will dynamically alter the flavor of your burger.
Umami
The tongue has certain areas dedicated to tasting each of the five specific tastes: sour, salty, sweet, bitter, and umami. You'll find umami naturally in foods such as seaweed, soy sauce, shiitake mushrooms, and miso.
It might surprise you, but you can successfully incorporate umami as a delicious topping on your burger. The easiest way to do this is to sauté some shiitake mushrooms with a little bit of soy sauce or even anchovy paste if you want to get more experimental. These flavors will pair wonderfully with your burger; you'll wonder why you never thought of this topping before.
Chutney
Perhaps you love yourself a good burger but prefer a turkey patty over meat-that's totally okay; you can still add unique toppings that will enhance its flavor. The next time you assemble your turkey burger, consider adding a dollop of chutney. Chutney is a type of fruit or vegetable spread common in Indian cuisine. There are countless flavors available: mango, mint, tomato, coconut, and many more. Adding chutney is a great way to experiment with different flavors from various countries.
