How to Make a Blackened Burger

Serve blackened burgers with a slice of American cheese.

Blackened burgers are made with a variety of spices that coat the ground beef and give it a burst of flavors. The burgers are then cooked over high heat to create a thick and crunchy black crust. Instead of buying blackened seasoning, you can make your own at home. The recipe for blackened seasoning varies based on personal preferences, but the spice has Cajun origins.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pounds fresh ground beef
• Bowls
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 2 teaspons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• Skillet
• Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Place 2 pounds of fresh ground beef in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix the ingredients together well.

2. Create 1/2-inch thick hamburger patties. Flatten the patties so that they are slightly larger than the hamburger buns. Press on the center of the burgers with your thumb to create a slight indentation.

3. Combine 2 teaspoons of ground paprika, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon white sugar, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg in a bowl to create the blackened seasoning.

4. Coat both sides of the hamburger with your melted, unsalted butter. Rub the seasoning onto the burger well to cover it completely.

5. Heat a skillet over high heat. Cook the burgers for two minutes (or until a crust forms), and then flip them over. Cook for another two minutes or until the burgers reach your desired doneness preference.

6. Remove the burgers from the skillet. Serve them on hamburger buns.

Tips & Warnings

• Cook the burgers on the grill over high heat. Turn them over only once on the grill to ensure that a thick crust forms on both sides.

• Purchase blackened seasoning at your local grocery store to save time when preparing the burgers.

• Always wash your hands before and after handling the raw beef to reduce the risk of a food-borne illness.

• A burger must reach 160-degrees Farehrenheit to kill any dangerous bacteria.

References

• All Recipes: Cajun Style Burgers
• Cooks: Blackened Seasoning Mix
• Food.com: Blackening Seasoning Mix Recipe
• The Gourmet Kitchen: Spicy Blackened Burgers
• Fire House Catering: Blackened Hamburgers
• Food Network; Cajun Pork Burgers Recipe; Rachael Ray