Elevate your burger experience with these nutritious Wakame Burgers, where umami-rich wakame seaweed is seamlessly incorporated into juicy patties. Packed with flavor and health benefits, these burgers offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients:
- For the Burgers:
- 1 cup dried wakame seaweed
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of your favorite seasoning (e.g., smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs)
For Serving:
- Burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado slices
- Your favorite sauces (mayonnaise, sriracha, or ketchup)
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried wakame in warm water for about 10-15 minutes until rehydrated. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. Chop the wakame into small pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat (or plant-based alternative), chopped wakame, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg (or flax egg), soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Divide the mixture into equal portions (about 4-6, depending on your preferred burger size) and shape each portion into a patty.
4. Preheat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a skillet. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 75°C for ground meat).
5. Toast the burger buns if desired. Place the cooked wakame burger patty on the bun and top with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado slices, and your choice of sauces.
6. Enjoy your delicious Wakame Burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad!
Tips:
- You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, adding herbs or spices like jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- These burgers can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or frozen for later use.
Aprile's Kitchen 