How to properly prepare toppings and sauces for your burgers to enhance their flavor without compromising on nutrition:
- Cheese: Choose a natural, unprocessed cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or feta, and grate it yourself to avoid added preservatives. Sprinkle it over your burger while it’s still hot and let it melt before serving.
- Bacon: Look for nitrate-free bacon made from humanely raised pigs. Cook it in the oven or on a skillet until crispy, then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess grease before adding it to your burger.
- Onions: Caramelized onions are a great addition to any burger. Sauté thinly sliced onions in a little bit of olive oil over low heat until they’re soft and brown, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Ketchup: Choose a brand that’s low in added sugars and sodium, or make your own by blending tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Mustard: Use Dijon or whole grain mustard for a tangy flavor without added sugar. Look for brands that don’t use artificial colors or flavors.
- BBQ sauce: Make your own by mixing tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.
- Mayo: Look for a brand made with avocado oil or olive oil instead of soybean or canola oil. You can also make your own by blending egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and oil in a food processor until smooth.
By using these tips, you can make delicious toppings and sauces for your burgers that are both flavorful and nutritious. Enjoy!
