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10 ways to upgrade your burger game

As customers become more health-conscious, foodservice establishments are choosing to offer both vegetable- and meat-based burger alternatives.

April 25, 2019 by Christine Potts — Senior Editor, WebstaurantStore

The traditional beef burger patty has long been a staple of American cuisine. As customers become more health-conscious, however, many foodservice establishments are choosing to offer both vegetable- and meat-based burger alternatives. We investigated potential substitutions for the beef burger and have come up with a list of ten delicious options that are sure to spice up your menu.

From black beans to turkey and everything in between, alternatives to the traditional beef burger patty are a great way to draw health-conscious customers to your business.

1. Black bean burgers

The dense texture of black beans makes them an excellent meat substitute. Try recipes for black bean burgers that incorporate legumes, vegetables and a variety of dried and fresh spices for a flavorful twist on the traditional hamburger.
Here are some benefits of black beans:

Promote better digestive health
Help stop blood sugar spikes
Fight cardiovascular disease

2. Cauliflower burgers

Versatile cauliflower is another alternative to the beef burger. To prepare cauliflower burgers, add grains like quinoa and binders such as eggs and breadcrumbs for a solid and hearty patty.
Cauliflower has the following benefits:

Excellent source of vitamins C, K, and B6
Promotes healthy tissue growth and blood clotting
Reduces inflammation and improves digestion

3. Chicken burgers

This lean and low-fat protein is an excellent alternative to beef. When purchasing chicken for burgers, do not buy pre-ground chicken; instead, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and grind them yourself for better texture.
Chicken has the following health benefits:

Contains cholesterol reducing vitamins
Supports bones and teeth with phosphorus
High protein content

4. Chickpea (garbanzo bean) burgers

Garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are easily mashed to make a hearty patty. Plus, chickpeas are a tasty complement to a wide variety of ingredients, so you can customize your chickpea burgers however you'd like.
Check out these benefits of chickpeas:

Good source of protein
Low in saturated fat
Rich in fiber

5. Portobello mushroom burgers

Not only do portobellos have a great texture, but they are also the perfect shape and size for substituting burgers. Portobello mushrooms taste best when grilled or sautéed in olive oil, so you can even give guests the grill marks often seen on traditional burgers.
Portobello mushrooms benefit you in the following ways:

Promote healthy skin
Facilitate red blood cell production
Support healthy digestion

6. Pork burgers

Pork is a great source of protein, and it is particularly well suited for pairing with sweet and tangy flavors. Try grilling pork burgers and topping them with barbecue sauce or Asian sauces like hoisin and teriyaki.
Here are some benefits of pork:

Supports immune system with zinc
Great source of iron
Promotes brain function with vitamin B12

7. Quinoa burgers

Quinoa is a seed that is related to vegetables like Swiss chard and spinach. Use this "superfood" as a base for your burgers to create a meal that is packed with nutrients. Check out these benefits of quinoa:

Provides all nine essential amino acids
High in fiber
Rich in antioxidants

8. Sweet potato burgers

Sweet potatoes can be prepared any number of ways, and their soft, pliable texture makes them easy to combine with other ingredients for delicious burger patties. Try pairing them with smoky spices like paprika or chipotle for a rich and unique burger.
Sweet potatoes provide these health benefits:

Promote eye health with anthocyanins
Support blood sugar regulation
High fiber content

9. Salmon burgers

Salmon is one of the most nutritionally well-rounded burger alternatives available. You can enjoy salmon burgers as a fillet or combine shredded salmon with vegetables, aiolis and flavorful spices. Here are some benefits that salmon provides:

Fights inflammation with omega-3's
Promotes cardiovascular health
Supports healthy blood pressure with potassium

10. Turkey burgers

Turkey burgers are one of the most popular and flavorful non-beef burger options. Plus, turkey can be purchased in tenderloins, cutlets, thighs, breasts, and slices, making it a versatile red meat alternative. Turkey offers these health benefits:

Good source of protein
Rich in vitamin B6
Low-fat content

From black beans to turkey and everything in between, alternatives to the traditional beef burger patty are a great way to draw health-conscious customers to your business.

Cover photo: iStock
All other photos: courtesy of Webstaurant Store.

About Christine Potts

Christine Potts is the senior editor of SEO content at WebstaurantStore. When she's not writing about foodservice equipment, she likes to work on her baking skills and teach her friends about the products she recognizes while eating at restaurants.

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