Unlock the secret to the best burgers with this Gourmet Burger Seasoning recipe! Easy to make with simple spices already in your pantry, it gives you perfectly seasoned burger patties every time.
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The secret to a mouthwatering burger lies not just in the quality of the meat but also in the seasoning. Unfortunately, store-bought burger seasoning blends are often loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own using a handful of spices likely already in your cupboard!
I made this savory burger seasoning blend with a balanced combination of savory, sweet, and warming spices. Those wonderful flavors bring out the best in any burger, including beef, turkey, chicken, veggie, and beyond! Plus, the seasoning blend stores well for months, making it especially easy for you to whip up a batch of the best burgers whenever a craving hits.
Looking for more seasoning blends made from scratch? Check out my Italian Seasoning, Beef Taco Seasoning, and Homemade Chili Seasoning while you’re here.
What spices go in burger seasoning?
- Paprika – I used smoked paprika but you can use Hungarian paprika if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder – Or onion flakes, if that’s what you already have on hand.
- Brown sugar – The sugar helps the burgers caramelize during cooking. Substitute coconut sugar here if you’d like.
- Kosher salt – Or sea salt.
- Ground black pepper
- Cayenne pepper – Only add this if you like a kick of spice in your burgers.
How to make the best burger seasoning
There isn’t much to it besides whisking the spices and brown sugar together in a small bowl until well blended. If you’re not using the blend right away, store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until it’s time to eat.
How to make and season burgers
- Season the meat: Add the ground beef (or ground meat of choice) and about 1 tablespoon of burger seasoning per pound of meat to a large bowl. Use your hands to gently mix the seasonings into the meat, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the seasoned meat into portions: I do about 1/3 pound per burger), and shape each portion into a 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick patty. Use your thumb to press a slight indentation in the middle of each patty to prevent bulging.
- Rest and cook: Let the patties rest for 10 to 15 minutes (this allows the flavors to meld and the meat to firm up slightly) before grilling, pan-frying, air frying, or smoking. Enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- If you’re using this seasoning for already-assembled burgers, simply sprinkle the outside of each patty with about ¼ teaspoon of seasoning.
- Remember, fresh spices ensure the best flavor! Spices lose their potency over time, so if you can’t remember when you bought that paprika, it might be time for a new jar.
- Make a small test batch first. Cook a tiny bit of the seasoned meat and taste it, then adjust the seasoning mix accordingly before forming your patties.
Variations
Everyone’s palate differs, so don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients. Start with the basic recipe and incorporate additional spices to find your ideal balance of flavor:
- Add a pinch of cumin for earthiness
- Add chili powder or red pepper flakes for heat
- A dash of mushroom powder will add an extra umami kick
Erin’s serving suggestions
Obviously, this seasoning blend is perfect for a variety of homemade burgers. From beef to bison to chicken to turkey burgers, you can’t go wrong! Even veggie burgers or portobello mushroom burgers can benefit from the smoky, savory flavors.
Use it to make any gourmet burger recipe even better, like:
But why stop there? You’re not just limited to burgers! The savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes are also great in dishes such as:
FAQs
How much burger seasoning does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 4 tablespoons of seasoning. You can easily double or triple the recipe when making a bigger batch of burgers, or store the extras in an airtight container. Just make sure to shake or stir the mix before each use.
How much seasoning should I use for homemade burgers?
A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or ½ teaspoon per patty. You can adjust it to taste, depending on how strong you’d like the flavors to be.
Storing
Store the burger seasoning in a sterile, airtight container in a cool, dry place (like your pantry or spice rack) for up to 6 months.
More homemade seasoning blends
Did you make this burger patty seasoning?
If you thought this was the best hamburger seasoning, I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a ⭐️star review⭐️! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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PS – Check out these 35+ Favorite BBQ Sides to serve too!
Full Recipe
Gourmet Burger Seasoning
Equipment
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle each burger patty with about ½ teaspoon of seasoning.
Notes
- Store the burger seasoning in a sterile, airtight container in a cool, dry place (like your pantry or spice rack) for up to 6 months.
-
If you’re using this seasoning for already-assembled burgers, simply sprinkle the outside of each patty with about ¼ teaspoon of seasoning.
-
Remember, fresh spices ensure the best flavor! Spices lose their potency over time, so if you can’t remember when you bought that paprika, it might be time for a new jar.
-
Make a small test batch first. Cook a tiny bit of the seasoned meat and taste it, then adjust the seasoning mix accordingly before forming your patties.
-
Add a pinch of cumin for earthiness
-
Add chili powder or red pepper flakes for heat
-
A dash of mushroom powder will add an extra umami kick
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