Delicious Zucchini Burger Recipe for a Healthy Meal
Are you tired of eating the same old veggie burgers at your summer BBQs? Look no further than these delicious zucchini burgers! While they may not be vegetarian, they are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. These burgers are made with lean ground beef and coarsely grated zucchini, making them moist and juicy. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients from the veggies!
But this recipe isn’t just for meat-eaters; it can easily be adapted to fit vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your meals or looking for a new burger recipe, these zucchini burgers are definitely worth a try.
So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these tasty zucchini burgers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Zucchini Burgers may not be vegetarian, but trust me, they are worth a try. This recipe blends zucchini with lean ground beef, creating the perfect juicy and flavorful burger. The addition of chopped onion, bell pepper, and dill weed make these burgers extra fresh and crispy.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is also versatile. If you’re vegan or looking for a meatless option, simply replace the beef with chickpeas or your preferred veggie protein. You can also switch up the toppings to your liking – from classic tomato and lettuce to crispy bacon and cheese.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. The grated zucchini adds moisture and texture while increasing the nutritional value of the dish.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, these Zucchini Burgers will become a summer staple in no time. So fire up the grill or heat up the skillet – it’s burger time!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious zucchini burgers:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons dill weed
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1/2 jalapeno, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note that this recipe uses lean ground beef, so if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, consider substituting with chickpeas or cauliflower. Additionally, make sure to use fresh and ripe ingredients for the best flavor.
The Recipe How-To
To start making the zucchini burgers, I first mix the 1lb of lean ground beef with 2 coarsely grated medium zucchinis into a mixing bowl. Then, I add in 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions, 2 teaspoons of dill weed, and 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard to bring out the tangy flavor of the burgers. Finally, I combine all the ingredients together by giving them a good mix.
Shape the patties
Once everything is combined, it is time to shape them into patties. I gently roll about 1/4 cup of burger mixture between my palms until it becomes evened out and flatten it slightly to form a patty that’s around 1/2 inch thick. The mixture should be enough to form around eight zucchini burgers.
Cook the patties
Now that I have shaped them, I heat up my grill according to its specific instructions or preheat my skillet over medium-high heat. Then, I coat the pan slightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and carefully place the patties over it. To avoid overcrowding, I cook at most two or three patties per batch with a one-inch gap between each one.
I cook each side for five minutes or so until crisp and well-browned. Pro Tip: Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking as it releases their juice and makes them dry.
Assemble the Burger
Afterward, you can assemble your delicious zucchini burger with a lettuce leaf, tomato slices or bacon if allows in your diet, onion rings, melted cheese if desired, and some mayonnaise/mustard sauce. My personal favorite cheese combination includes blue cheese or cheddar cheese with some jalapeno slices for an extra kick.
Enjoy your mouthwatering and juicy zucchini burger!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is quite versatile and can easily be adapted to suit many different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that you can try out:
– Vegan Zucchini Burgers: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the lean ground beef for chickpeas, tofu, or another plant-based protein source. You can also use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese if preferred. Consider adding additional flavor with jalapeno, minced zucchini, or mushrooms.
– Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and an all-purpose gluten-free flour in place of regular breadcrumbs.
– Beyond Meat–Zucchini Burgers: If you’re looking for a meatless burger that still has plenty of protein, try using Beyond Meat instead of lean ground beef. It’s a vegan option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
– Keto Veggie Burgers: By substituting the breadcrumbs with chopped cauliflower or almond flour, this recipe can easily become keto-friendly. Try also adding bacon pieces into the mix to add an extra layer of flavor.
– Zucchini Fritters: If you want to skip the bun and enjoy these burgers as a side dish, shape them into small patties and fry them until crispy deliciousness results; you maybe forgo the cheese unless it is a vegan version and add in a touch of dill weed for an extra burst of flavor.
These are just a few ideas to get you started—feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations until you find your perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have cooked the delicious zucchini burgers, it’s time to talk about serving and pairing. You can simply serve the burgers on a hearty bun or go for a more keto-friendly option like lettuce wraps.
For toppings, I recommend fresh veggies like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuce. Add a dollop of mayo and mustard to bring in some flavorsome creaminess. If you want to up the cheesy factor, feel free to add a slice of vegan or regular cheese.
These zucchini burgers pair well with crispy air-fried potato wedges, grilled veggies, or a mixed green salad. Grilled zucchinis and cauliflower fritters are also great options to complement these flavorful burgers.
If you are looking for a heartier meal, you can serve these zucchini burgers with sweet potato fries, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or even some corn on the cob.
To wash down all of that savory goodness, opt for an ice-cold glass of lemonade or iced tea. You can also complement these zucchini burgers with a cold beer, red wine or a refreshing white Sangria.
These zucchini burgers are super versatile, and you can customize them based on your taste buds and preferences. So go ahead and experiment with different toppings and sides to create your perfect flavor combination.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these zucchini burgers is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. To make ahead, simply prepare the burger patties as directed in the recipe, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you have leftover cooked zucchini burgers, they can also be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the burgers in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Simply wrap each patty individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The burgers can be stored for up to two months in the freezer.
To cook from frozen, simply remove the wrapping and cook directly from frozen. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
When it comes to reheating frozen zucchini burgers, be sure to fully thaw them first before reheating. You can do this by taking them out of the freezer and letting them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Overall, these zucchini burgers are a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prep. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy them any time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve mouth-watering zucchini burgers, consider the following tips:
1. Squeeze as much water as possible from the grated zucchini. After you have grated the zucchini, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out the excess water. This process will prevent your burger mixture from becoming too wet, which could cause it to fall apart during cooking.
2. Use lean ground beef for best results. Using lean ground beef will help keep your zucchini burgers moist and tender while also reducing the fat content.
3. Add other vegetables to the mixture. Bell pepper, mushrooms, and onions are excellent options to add extra flavor and texture.
4. Seasoning is key. Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Dry mustard, dill weed, and jalapeno peppers (if you like a little heat) can all add a kick of flavor to your zucchini burgers.
5. Let the burger patty rest before cooking. Allowing your burger patty to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes can help the flavors meld together and make it easier to shape when you’re ready to cook.
6. Use oil to prevent sticking. Before cooking your zucchini burgers, brush a little bit of olive oil or your preferred oil on each side. This step will reduce sticking and also give your burgers a nice crispy crust.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and perfectly cooked zucchini burgers that will satisfy all meat-lovers and vegetarians alike at your next BBQ or dinner party.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, although this recipe might not be suitable for vegans or vegetarians, it is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular beef burgers. Zucchini burgers offer a low-carb option that can be easily adjusted to fit any dietary restrictions, including gluten-free or keto diets. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your diet and minimize your meat intake without sacrificing flavor.
When served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and mayonnaise, these zucchini burgers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The savory combination of lean ground beef and coarsely grated zucchini makes for a juicy and tender patty that won’t disappoint. Plus, the addition of dill weed and dry mustard adds even more depth of flavor.
Overall, if you’re looking for a healthier burger option that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture, give this zucchini burger recipe a try. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how flavorful they turn out in the end. So go ahead and fire up the grill or heat up your skillet – it’s time to enjoy some delicious zucchini burgers!
Zucchini Burgers (no, not vegetarian) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons dill weed
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 -2 jalapeno, minced (for extra spunk, add a splash of jalapeno juice)
- salt & pepper
- 4 slices cheese, of choice (optional)
- 4 large hamburger buns
Garnishes of choice
- mustard
- mayonnaise
- onion
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- bacon
- bell pepper (etc.)
Instructions
- Mix first six ingredients together, add salt and pepper to taste, and form four patties.
- Grill until desired doneness is reached, placing one slice of cheese on each burger when they are turned.
- Serve with desired garnishes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.