Beyond Ground Beef: 10 ‘Alternative’ Burgers to Throw on your Grill Now
Close gallery popup button
1 OF 11
1 of 11
pink_cotton_candy / Getty
Everyone loves a big, bold hamburger in the summertime. (Unless, of course, you’re vegetarian or vegan—and if that’s the case, we have solutions for you as well.) But we’ll be honest: after countless barbecues and beach trips, even the classics can start to get old. The solution? Mix things up on your grill with these 10 delicious burger recipes that take your favorite handheld summer staple beyond regular old beef.
2 of 11
pixbay.com
Italian-Style Bison Burgers
Bison is lower in calories and fat, but higher in protein than 90% lean ground beef, putting the “new red meat” ahead of the herd. It’s also higher in zinc, which can help power-up your immune system.Check out the full recipe here.
3 of 11
Oliur Rahman
Tropical Shrimp Quinoa Burgers
The Australians get it: Throwing a shrimp on the “barbie” brings out the best in this lean protein. Keep a few bags of frozen shrimp in your freezer so you can prep these tropical burgers in no time. Just defrost in a colander in the sink under cold water, make sure they’re cleaned up, and you’re good to go.Check out the full recipe here.
4 of 11
Stocksnap.io
Middle-Eastern Lamb Burgers With Halloumi Cheese
An excellent source of protein, lamb also serves up conjugated linoleic acid, which may help with fat-burning, and creatinine to fuel muscles and add more pump. It has an amazing flavor that goes perfectly with fresh mint.Check out the full recipe here.
5 of 11
Stocksnap.io
Pork Banh Mi Burgers
Pork is one of the tastiest meats known to man. It’s also healthier than you thought. Protein-packed pork contains choline, a nutrient that can boost your energy and stamina in the gym.Check out the full recipe here.
6 of 11
Blueberry Council
Salmon Burgers With Blueberry Lemon Raita
Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats along with plenty of vitamin D, which helps to regulate insulin levels. Adding blueberries to the raita (a yogurt condiment) is a great way to up the nutrition, flavor, and color of your burger. Grilling is just one simple way to use up a carton of blueberries a week.Check out the full recipe here.
7 of 11
Christopher Lower
Honey Sriracha Tuna Sliders With Pineapple Salsa
Tuna is rich in omega-3s and protein. Eating fatty fish like tuna a couple times a week can help lower your heart disease risk, boost your weight-loss efforts, and enhance your immune system.Check out the full recipe here.
8 of 11
Alyssa Rodgers
Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers
These burgers offer a lean source of protein—without sacrificing any of the flavor. Grated onion mixed into the meat creates juicy and delicious burgers, feta stuffed in the middle adds for a creamy bite, and the heat from the jalapeños makes these burgers so delicious you won’t even miss the beef. They’re even great wrapped in Bibb lettuce or green cabbage, if a traditional bun doesn’t fit your carb macros.Check out the full recipe here.
9 of 11
Culinary Institute of America and Lentils.org
Curried Chicken Lentil Burgers
Boost the fiber in your chicken burger with lentils—and get bonus points for incorporating plant-based protein into your day.Check out the full recipe here.
10 of 11
Kaleigh McMordie
Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Burgers
These burgers are made with lean chicken, but are still super-flavorful thanks to fresh jalapeño and garlic blended into the meat. You can top them with tons of veggies and avocado for healthy fat, and serve on a whole-grain bun for more fiber.Check out the full recipe here.
11 of 11
Tookapic.com
Juicy Turkey Burgers With Havarti, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Onions
The glory of a properly prepared turkey burger is that you can enjoy all the flavor of your classic, juicy burger while still prioritizing nutrition. This recipe is no exception. Mushroom and rich havarti cheese ensure that you will not sacrifice tastiness when lightening up your burger.Check out the full recipe here.
Everyone loves a big, bold hamburger in the summertime. (Unless, of course, you’re vegetarian or vegan—and if that’s the case, we have solutions for you as well.)
But we’ll be honest: after countless barbecues and beach trips, even the classics can start to get old.
The solution? Mix things up on your grill with these 10 delicious burger recipes that take your favorite handheld summer staple beyond regular old beef.
Italian-Style Bison Burgers
Bison is lower in calories and fat, but higher in protein than 90% lean ground beef, putting the “new red meat” ahead of the herd. It’s also higher in zinc, which can help power-up your immune system.
The Australians get it: Throwing a shrimp on the “barbie” brings out the best in this lean protein. Keep a few bags of frozen shrimp in your freezer so you can prep these tropical burgers in no time. Just defrost in a colander in the sink under cold water, make sure they’re cleaned up, and you’re good to go.
An excellent source of protein, lamb also serves up conjugated linoleic acid, which may help with fat-burning, and creatinine to fuel muscles and add more pump. It has an amazing flavor that goes perfectly with fresh mint.
Pork is one of the tastiest meats known to man. It’s also healthier than you thought. Protein-packed pork contains choline, a nutrient that can boost your energy and stamina in the gym.
Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fats along with plenty of vitamin D, which helps to regulate insulin levels. Adding blueberries to the raita (a yogurt condiment) is a great way to up the nutrition, flavor, and color of your burger. Grilling is just one simple way to use up a carton of blueberries a week.
Tuna is rich in omega-3s and protein. Eating fatty fish like tuna a couple times a week can help lower your heart disease risk, boost your weight-loss efforts, and enhance your immune system.
These burgers offer a lean source of protein—without sacrificing any of the flavor. Grated onion mixed into the meat creates juicy and delicious burgers, feta stuffed in the middle adds for a creamy bite, and the heat from the jalapeños makes these burgers so delicious you won’t even miss the beef. They’re even great wrapped in Bibb lettuce or green cabbage, if a traditional bun doesn’t fit your carb macros.
These burgers are made with lean chicken, but are still super-flavorful thanks to fresh jalapeño and garlic blended into the meat. You can top them with tons of veggies and avocado for healthy fat, and serve on a whole-grain bun for more fiber.
Juicy Turkey Burgers With Havarti, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Onions
The glory of a properly prepared turkey burger is that you can enjoy all the flavor of your classic, juicy burger while still prioritizing nutrition. This recipe is no exception. Mushroom and rich havarti cheese ensure that you will not sacrifice tastiness when lightening up your burger.
