As I took a bite of my latest culinary creation, a burst of vibrant flavors ignited my taste buds, transporting me straight to the streets of Seoul. This Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw is not just a burger; it’s a delightful fusion that perfectly melds the juicy goodness of a grilled patty with the irresistible tang of kimchi. With its quick prep time and the versatility to adapt to chicken or vegetarian options, this recipe is set to become your new go-to for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners. Each mouthful offers an exciting blend of sweet and spicy notes, proving that homemade meals can be both fun and gourmet. Curious to see just how easy it is to whip up this flavor-packed burger?
Why You’ll Crave This Burger?
Satisfying Fusion: This Korean BBQ Burger brings together the best of both worlds—classic American comfort with vibrant Korean flavors, ensuring it stands out at any barbecue.
Customizable Options: Whether you prefer it with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian twist, this recipe accommodates everyone’s tastes making it ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a gourmet meal ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
Bold Flavors: The combination of sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce with tangy kimchi slaw creates an unforgettable taste experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Crowd Favorite: Impress your guests by serving this burger at your next cookout or family dinner, and watch how fast it disappears, turning every meal into a special occasion—just like with my other favorite dish, Korean Fire Chicken!
Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Burger
• Get ready to savor every bite of your homemade masterpiece with these flavorful ingredients:
For the Patty
- Ground Beef – 1 ½ pounds, 80/20 fat ratio for moisture and richness; swap for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter taste.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, pressed; opt for fresh garlic for a more aromatic flavor depth.
- Ginger – ½ teaspoon, grated; fresh ginger is best for its spicy warmth, but powdered can work in a pinch.
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon; adds a lovely nutty flavor, can be substituted with vegetable oil if needed.
- Soy Sauce – 1 teaspoon; enhances the umami and salty notes, perfect for a Korean BBQ burger vibe.
For Cooking
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground; this adds mild heat—adjust based on your preference.
- Brioche Hamburger Buns – 4, toasted; they provide a soft, buttery texture, with gluten-free buns available for dietary needs.
For Toppings
- Korean BBQ Sauce – Glazes the burgers with a sweet and spicy layer, perfect for flavor enhancement.
- Chili Garlic Mayo – Adds creaminess and a spicy kick, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Kimchi Slaw – Provides a delightful crunch and acidity, making it the ultimate topping for your burger.
Elevate your burger game tonight with this mouth-watering Korean BBQ Burger!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean BBQ Burger
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently break apart 1 ½ pounds of ground beef. Add in 2 pressed garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the ingredients with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat; this will help keep your Korean BBQ burgers tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once your mixture is well-combined, divide it into four equal portions, shaping each into a 6-ounce patty. To prevent puffing during cooking, press a slight dent into the center of each patty. Stack them with parchment paper in between and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour; this helps firm up the burgers before grilling.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet
While your patties chill, preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Allow the cooking surface to reach this temperature for a perfect sear. You want to see a light shimmer on the skillet or notice a slight haze over the grill, signaling it’s ready for those delicious Korean BBQ burgers.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Carefully place the chilled patties onto the hot surface. Sear them for 3-4 minutes per side; you’re aiming for a nice golden-brown crust. After flipping, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they reach the desired doneness, typically an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Step 5: Glaze the Burgers
After resting, coat each patty generously with your favorite Korean BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor. Allow the sauce to caramelize lightly on the warm patties. This sweet and spicy glaze will add an irresistible layer of flavor to your Korean BBQ burgers, making each bite unforgettable.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Toast four brioche hamburger buns until golden brown and warm. Spread a layer of chili garlic mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Layer the glazed patty on top and finish with a generous portion of homemade kimchi slaw for that crunchy, tangy contrast. Cap with the top bun, and your flavorful Korean BBQ burger is ready to enjoy!
Korean BBQ Burger Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Korean BBQ Burger and create your personal twist that excites your taste buds!
Chicken Alternative: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter burger experience while still retaining all the juicy flavors.
Vegetarian Delight: Use Portobello mushrooms or black bean patties to create a delicious plant-based version that even meat-lovers will adore.
BBQ Sauce Swap: Experiment with different BBQ sauces, like teriyaki or gochujang, to elevate the flavor profile and make it your own.
Cheesy Twist: Add a slice of cheese such as sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella on top of the patty while cooking for a melty, indulgent surprise.
Spice it Up: If you crave heat, mix Sriracha into the chili garlic mayo or add jalapeños to your kimchi slaw for a kick that dances on your palate.
Bun Variety: For a twist on texture, try a pretzel bun or lettuce wraps to keep things lighter if you’re watching carbs.
Herbed Slaw: Enhance your kimchi slaw by incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an aromatic freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
Sweet Touch: Add a layer of mango or pineapple slices for a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory burger and spicy kimchi.
No matter which variation you choose, your Korean BBQ Burger will surely become a standout at the dinner table! For more exciting flavors, don’t forget to check out my recipe for Korean Fire Chicken for another exciting culinary adventure!
What to Serve with Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw?
Create a delightful meal that complements the vibrant flavors of this tantalizing burger.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory burger, adding a delightful crunch.
Asian-Style Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad provides a cool palate cleanser between bites of the rich burger.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred and buttery, this seasonal favorite adds a sweet smokiness that pairs well with the Korean BBQ flavors.
Garlic Sesame Broccoli: The slight bitterness of the broccoli, tossed in garlic and sesame oil, creates a deliciously nutty side that balances the meal.
Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: Sweet and slightly tangy, this refreshing beverage complements the heat of the kimchi slaw, enhancing your dining experience.
Korean-Style Potato Salad: Creamy and subtly sweet, this comforting dish aligns perfectly with the smoky, spiced notes of your burger.
Elevate your meal by incorporating these curated sides and drinks, making every bite an adventure!
Make Ahead Options
These Korean BBQ Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they’re ready for grilling when you’re pressed for time. Simply follow the patty preparation steps, stack with parchment, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. For the kimchi slaw, prep it ahead without the mayo for maximum crunch, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just glaze the patties in Korean BBQ sauce while they cook, assemble with the chili garlic mayo, and kimchi slaw, and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for the Best Korean BBQ Burger
• Don’t Overmix: Avoid overworking the meat when combining ingredients; this keeps your Korean BBQ burger patties tender and juicy.
• Chill for Success: Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape during grilling, preventing them from puffing up.
• Sear to Perfection: Make sure your cooking surface is hot enough to achieve a nice golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor and moisture.
• Resting Matters: Allow the patties to rest after cooking for about 5 minutes to keep them succulent; this is key for a juicy Korean BBQ burger.
• Garnish Wisely: Top your burger with kimchi slaw just before serving for crunch and freshness, ensuring it doesn’t get soggy.
Storage Tips for Korean BBQ Burger
Fridge: Store any leftover Korean BBQ burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: The uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag for optimal storage.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen patties overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet or grill for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through.
Kimchi Slaw Storage: Store any leftover kimchi slaw without mayo in the fridge for 2-3 days; add dressing just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw Recipe FAQs
What type of meat should I use for the Korean BBQ burger?
You can use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for a juicy burger, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully as well. For a vegetarian variant, consider using Portobello mushrooms or chickpeas shaped into patties.
How should I store leftover Korean BBQ burgers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just wrap each patty in plastic wrap, place them in a resealable freezer bag, and label with the date.
Can I freeze the Korean BBQ burger patties?
Absolutely! To freeze, stack uncooked patties with parchment paper in between and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them together in a resealable freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking—this way, you preserve their flavor and texture!
What if my Korean BBQ burger patties aren’t holding together while cooking?
If your patties are falling apart, it could be due to overmixing the meat or not chilling them long enough. Ensure that when mixing your ingredients, you do so gently, and make sure to chill the shaped patties for at least an hour before cooking. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape!
Is kimchi safe for pets?
Although kimchi is packed with nutrients, it’s not suitable for pets due to its spiciness and ingredients like garlic, which can be harmful to them. It’s best to keep this delicious slaw strictly for your gourmet Korean BBQ burgers!
How long will the kimchi slaw last in the fridge?
If prepared without dressing, kimchi slaw can last in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. To maintain its crunch, add mayo or other dressings right before you serve it!
Korean BBQ Burger: A Flavorful Twist for Burger Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, gently break apart 1 ½ pounds of ground beef. Add in 2 pressed garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the ingredients with your hands.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into a 6-ounce patty. Press a slight dent into the center of each patty.
- Preheat Your Grill or Skillet: Preheat to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Patties: Carefully place the chilled patties onto the hot surface. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Glaze the Burgers: After resting, coat each patty with Korean BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the brioche buns, spread chili garlic mayo, add the patty, and top with kimchi slaw.