Chinese Hamburgers
Savory Chinese‑style hamburgers with a hearty tomato‑bean sprout sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or a playful twist on classic burgers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, diced green pepper, diced onion, bean sprouts, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1{\text 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
- Make into 8 patties and fry until brown.
- Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, letting the sauce thicken into a rich gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the beef mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of canned bean sprouts for a crunchier texture. Pair these hamburgers with a side of Chinese Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese hamburgers on steamed buns or with rice for a heartier meal. They pair well with sides like Quick Chop Suey or even a simple salad. For an added touch, drizzle extra tomato sauce over the patties before serving, and garnish with chopped scallions to enhance the dish's flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, which will help keep them moist. You can also microwave them for quick reheating, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Hamburgers contains roughly 152 calories, with 8g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 freeze the patties before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the formed patties before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, though you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a blend of ketchup and water for a similar consistency. Alternatively, try using barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile that pairs well with the beef.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha into the beef mixture. You can also serve the patties with a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. Adjust the spice level based on your preference.
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).