Blue Whistler Burger
Juicy, flavorful burger with a smoky, herbaceous punch, ideal for summer barbecues or casual gatherings, featuring ground beef infused with bold seasonings and sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced scallions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 Tbsp. bottled steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. liquid smoke seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 2 soft sandwich buns ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare a medium-hot grill and set aside.
- In a large bowl, place the ground beef.
- In a separate medium bowl, blend butter with parsley, scallions, garlic, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, hot pepper sauce, black pepper, and seasoned salt.
- Reserve about 4 teaspoons of seasoned butter for buns.
- Thoroughly blend the remaining butter mixture into the ground beef.
- Form the mixture into four 1-inch thick patties.
- Grill the burgers over medium-hot fire until done, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Butter the sandwich buns and grill for about 1 minute, buttered side down.
Tips & Substitutions
For a juicier burger, consider using a higher fat content ground beef or adding a splash of beef broth to the mixture. If you don't have liquid smoke, a dash of smoked paprika can provide a similar flavor. For a quicker option, use Ready Hamburger Mix to save time on prep. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your heat preference for a milder or spicier burger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the burgers on the grilled sandwich buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or cheese. They pair beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. For a unique twist, try adding a dollop of your favorite barbecue sauce or even a spoonful of Leslie's Delight for an extra zing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Blue Whistler Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, flipping frequently to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Whistler Burger contains roughly 165 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2061mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. Another option is to use a combination of balsamic vinegar and a dash of hot sauce to replicate the umami flavor.
How can I ensure my burgers are cooked perfectly?
To ensure your burgers are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F, and for medium, go for 140-145°F. Also, avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling, as this can release the juices and dry them out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).