Get ready for a tasty twist with these Easy Korean BBQ Burgers! Juicy beef patties are packed with sweet and savory flavors and topped with your favorite Asian-inspired goodies like kimchi and spicy mayo.
I love grilling these on sunny weekends! They’re fun to make and are always a hit at BBQs. Plus, the unique flavors will impress your friends and family—you might even need to make extra! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but be aware it may be less juicy. Mixing in a bit of cooked bacon or using a fatty cut will help keep the burgers moist.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free alternative with a similar taste.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste gives heat and flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of sriracha and miso can work. For a milder taste, skip it or use a smaller amount.
Cabbage: I like using napa cabbage for its delicate texture. Regular green cabbage works too. For a twist, you could use coleslaw mix or even shredded Brussels sprouts for added crunch.
Brioche Buns: These are soft and slightly sweet, perfect for balancing the burger’s flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or lettuce wraps are great alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Burger Patties Stay Juicy?
Forming your burger patties correctly is key for juicy results. Avoid over-mixing the meat, which can lead to tough burgers. Here are my go-to tips:
- Gently mix meat with ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Handle it like you would a delicate dough!
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them stay flat while cooking, avoiding puffing up.
- Cook them on medium-high heat for that perfect sear—about 4-5 minutes on each side. Don’t flip too often!
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor without drying them out.
Enjoy your Korean BBQ burger night! They’re packed with delicious flavors and great on a summer evening or any casual gathering!
Easy Korean BBQ Burger Recipe for Flavor Fans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Korean BBQ Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or optional for heat
For the Slaw Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon gochujang or Korean chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 brioche or soft burger buns
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and slaw, and then around 20 minutes cooking the patties and assembling your delicious burgers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or fun weekend BBQ!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Korean BBQ Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang (if using). Heat over medium until simmering, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Slaw:
In a bowl, mix together shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang or chili flakes, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the dressing with the cabbage mixture until it’s well coated. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
3. Make the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Gently combine without overworking the meat, then form into 4 equal patties.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, generously brush the patties with the Korean BBQ sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Lightly toast your buns. Place one patty on the bottom bun, heap on a generous scoop of the spicy slaw, and then put the top bun on.
6. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your flavorful Korean BBQ Burgers right away! They’re juicy, a little sweet, and deliciously savory, complemented by the crunchy and spicy slaw.
This recipe is fantastic for anyone craving a burst of flavor in their burger experience! Perfect for a unique and exciting dinner or casual get-together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef for the Patties?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to add a bit of moisture, like a tablespoon of olive oil or yogurt, to keep the patties juicy.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or microwave until heated through, keeping the buns separate to maintain their texture.
Can I Make the Korean BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the Korean BBQ sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It may thicken slightly, so simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before use.
What Can I Substitute for Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with a mixture of sriracha and a bit of miso paste for a similar flavor. For a milder option, simply use a small amount of sriracha or omit any spicy ingredient.
