Build Your Best Burger When You Barbecue at Home

When you barbecue at home, there’s no need to feel stuck grilling the same old boring burgers every time! By thinking creatively and using a variety of ingredients, you’ll be able to create meals to tempt the most discriminating palate. Next time you decide to throw a barbecue at home, try some of these great recipes to build your very best burger.

• Bourbon Burgers are packed with flavor and easy to prepare.  After preparing your grill for direct grilling over medium heat, mix 1 pound of beef, 2 tablespoons of grated onion, 1 teaspoon each of minced garlic and salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 2 tablespoons bourbon in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 patties, and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, until an instant read thermometer indicates an internal temperature of at least 160°. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, while toasting 4 pretzel rolls cut side down on the grill. Serve the hamburgers on the buns with tomato, lettuce and condiments of your choice.
• If you entertain vegetarians when you barbecue at home, you’ll want to serve a meat free staple, like these Black Bean Burgers. In a blender, combine a 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed, an egg, ¼ cup chopped white onion, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon garlic salt until well combined. Transfer to a bowl, add another can of drained and rinsed black beans and 1 cup Japanese panko bread crumbs, mix well, and form the mixture into 6 patties. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and fry patties 4-5 minutes on each side until they are crisp. Serve with guacamole or fresh avocado, along with lettuce and tomatoes.
• Another great vegetarian option for your barbecue at home is the Portabella Burger. For this delicious version, combine ½ cup parsley, ½ cup cilantro, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt and pepper to taste to create a chimichurri sauce, refrigerating it until ready to use. After gently washing 4 portabellas, drizzle them with olive oil and grill on a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Mash an avocado, and stir in ½ diced Roma tomato, ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon lime juice and a pinch of salt. During the last minute of cooking, top each mushroom with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese, and mix the chimichurri sauce into the guacamole, stirring until blended before using it to top the burgers.

If you’re looking for an alternative to burgers when you barbecue at home, Tony Roma’s ribs are the perfect option for a mouthwatering meal. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more meal inspiration!

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