Do your patrons want to enjoy a burger but are tired of the same plain beef patties or are you looking for a plant-based alternative? Luckily, there is plenty of meat and non-meat options out there. All the alternatives are flavorful and feature some added health benefits. We have compiled a detailed list of the top 10 hamburger substitutes to help you find a burger that catches your customers' attention and fits their diet.
Non-Meat Alternatives
Plant-based meat alternatives have been taking off recently. Many are intended to look and taste like beef, but don't actually contain any animal product. Below are some non-meat options to replace a traditional burger.
1. Impossible Burger
The Impossible Burger is a non-meat burger alternative made with soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and genetically modified heme. Heme is a molecule containing iron that can be found in low concentrations in plants. While some of these may not sound like the most appetizing ingredients, the Impossible Burger is widely considered to be the most convincing meat alternative on the market. It tastes like real meat and even "bleeds," exuding red juices while cooking.
2. Beyond Burger
The Beyond Burger is a very popular option available today. Its main ingredients include pea protein isolate, canola oil, coconut oil, and seasonings. With no soy or gluten in these burgers, they're a great option for those who may have sensitivities.
3. Black Bean Burger
A black bean burger is a well-known alternative to meat burgers. As the
name implies, it is made from black beans, seasonings, and other
ingredients blended together to form a patty. This option comes with
added health benefits, as black beans are great for digestive health and
help against cardiovascular disease. The main difference between a black
bean burger and the alternatives above is that black bean burgers don't
seek to imitate or mask themselves as beef. They have a robust flavor
and texture.
4. Portobello Mushroom Burger
Portobello mushroom burgers are a great, health-conscious choice as they help promote the growth of new red blood cells and healthy digestion. These burgers have a great umami flavor with the unique mushroom texture conveying an entirely new spin on a hamburger. You can also grill them to get the same grill marks a traditional beef burger would have.
5. Sweet Potato Burger
Sweet potatoes can take many forms, such as a sweet potato pie, casserole, or fries. But, they can also be used as a burger alternative. Sweet potato burgers are rich in starch and are comparatively lower in calories than beef burgers. While the flavor of a sweet potato burger will not exactly line up with that of a beef burger, a sweet potato burger is still a tangy and delicious substitute for a beef burger.
Meat Alternatives
There are numerous alternatives to beef burgers that do contain meat in them. Meat burger alternatives provide a great source of protein and are sure to tantalize your patrons' taste buds. Here is a list of other options to beef burgers that you can consider adding to your menu.
6. Chicken Burger
A low-calorie alternative to a beef burger is a chicken burger. Generally made from ground chicken breast or thighs, these poultry burgers can be made with all the standard toppings for burgers. Chicken burgers are high in protein and cholesterol-reducing vitamins.
7. Salmon Burger
While burgers typically don't include seafood, salmon burgers flip that
on its head. This fresh fish burger presents a healthy alternative to
beef burgers as it provides you with essential omega 3 fatty acids. It
is usually made from ground salmon with egg and bread crumbs used as a
binder. This alternative burger idea generally has fewer calories than a
beef burger and is a delicious option.
8. Bison Burger
Bison burgers are remarkably similar to beef but with a few critical differences. Bison meat is much leaner than a typical beef burger, therefore containing fewer calories and more protein. For this reason, bison burgers are often cooked with an additional fat source such as pan-searing it in melted butter or olive oil. However, you can leave out the additional fat source and prep bison burgers as they are.
9. Turkey Burger
This poultry burger is somewhat fattier than chicken and features a rich flavor profile. Turkey burgers are rich in vitamin B6, have high protein, and relatively low-fat content, making them a healthier option than beef hamburgers. Turkey burgers are often made with eggs inside in order to add moisture to the otherwise fairly dry turkey meat. Bread crumbs are also commonly used as a binder in turkey burgers.
10. Elk Burger
Elk burgers are a remarkably underused culinary creation. Featuring high
protein and low-fat content, this burger is a healthier alternative to
beef. When cooked properly, elk burgers don't taste too gamey and are a
delicious option. Typically cooked with olive oil or another fat source
to help it stay together, elk burgers cook faster than beef burgers of
the same size. If you're feeling experimental, include elk as a beef
alternative to your menu!
Try Them All!
There are plenty of delectable non-beef burger choices out there. Both meatless and alternative meat options offer tasty flavors and possibly something new to try! From Impossible Burgers to elk burgers, you're sure to find the substitute that best suits your menu.
