Summer is the perfect time to fire up the barbecue and dive into some juicy, flavour-packed burgers that will have everyone asking for seconds. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s infectious love for cooking, this guide breaks down three incredible burger recipes that are not only delicious but also showcase some clever twists on everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of classic beef, crave something with a Caribbean kick, or want to try a vibrant chicken burger, these easy recipes will elevate your barbecue game and make your summer meals truly unforgettable.
Sweet Potato Beef Burger: A Simple Twist on a Classic
Minced beef is a staple in many kitchens, but Jamie shows how to make it exciting by pairing it with sweet potatoes in two fantastic ways. Sweet potatoes are a super nutritious vegetable that can be grilled to caramelized perfection or grated raw into a fresh, tangy slaw.
Grilled Sweet Potato
Start by slicing sweet potatoes about half a centimeter thick. You can grill them on a barbecue or in a dry frying pan—both methods work brilliantly. Grilling sweet potatoes dry allows their natural sugars to develop, giving a nutty, caramelized flavour that pairs beautifully with the beef patty.
Sweet Potato and Cabbage Slaw
Using a box grater, finely grate half of the sweet potato along with a quarter of a white cabbage. Instead of the usual mayonnaise dressing, Jamie opts for a lighter mix of vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of whole grain mustard. This dressing adds a fresh zing and a subtle pickle vibe to the slaw. You can also add crunchy vegetables like beetroot or radishes and fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, or basil to boost the flavour and texture.
The Perfect Patty
Use good quality minced beef and work it on a plate with clean hands to develop the protein, helping the patty hold together. Form two patties, each about 120 grams, slightly larger than your bun to account for shrinkage during cooking. Season the outside with salt, pepper, and a rub of olive oil before placing them on the barbecue. Cook for about three minutes on each side until golden and juicy.
Bringing It All Together
Assemble your burger with a couple of lettuce leaves, the grilled sweet potato slices, a generous spoonful of sweet potato slaw, and your perfectly cooked patty. Jamie finishes his with a glaze of barbecue sauce, brushed gently over the edges for a shiny, sticky finish that’s packed with flavour. Serve in a soft brioche bun for the ultimate handheld joy—messy, juicy, and utterly delicious.
The Insanity Burger: A Bold Beef Experience
For those who want to take their barbecue to the next level, Jamie’s “Insanity Burger” is a flavour explosion. Using chuck steak from the butcher, this recipe focuses on quality meat and robust toppings.
Preparing the Patties and Pickles
Start with 800 grams of chuck steak, divided into four 200-gram patties. Make them slightly bigger than the buns to allow for shrinkage. Jamie also makes two types of pickles: one with crinkle-cut gherkins and chili, and another with finely sliced red onion, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. These pickles add a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich beef.
Jay Sauce: The Secret Weapon
This creamy, tangy sauce combines two heaped tablespoons of mayo, a tablespoon of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, chipotle seasoning, a dash of bourbon, and a splash of the onion pickle vinegar. It’s the perfect condiment to add a smoky, spicy kick to the burger.
Cooking and Building the Burger
Pat the burgers with oil and season with salt and pepper. Sear them on the barbecue, then brush with American-style mustard to create a delicious mustard bark. After flipping and brushing both sides, add slices of red Leicester cheese and cover the burgers with a dome to melt the cheese. Top with smoked bacon cooked in the pan for an extra smoky punch. Finally, assemble the burger in a brioche bun that soaks up all the juicy goodness.
Best BBQ Chicken Burger: Sunshine and Spice
This chicken burger is bursting with Caribbean flavours, featuring jerk seasoning, caramelized pineapple, and a bright Scotch bonnet pickle. It’s a fresh, spicy alternative that’s perfect for summer.
Marinating the Chicken
Take a free-range chicken breast, slice it in half horizontally for even cooking, and prick it to help the marinade penetrate. Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then rub generously with jerk seasoning—a vibrant blend of allspice, chili, black pepper, cumin, thyme, paprika, bay leaves, and turmeric. Let it sit briefly to absorb the flavours.
Scotch Bonnet Pickle
To balance the heat of the Scotch bonnet chili, remove the seeds and white membranes (where most of the heat resides), then thinly slice the chili. Rinse the slices to further mellow the heat, and pickle them in white or red wine vinegar with a pinch of salt. Use the natural juice from tinned pineapple to add sweetness and round out the flavours. This pickle is a versatile condiment that livens up slaws, grilled meats, and stews.
Fresh and Healthy Slaw
Grate carrot and white cabbage for a crunchy slaw, then dress it with natural yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier finish. Season with salt and pepper, and add a splash of the Scotch bonnet pickle juice for an extra flavour kick.
Grilling and Assembly
Cook the chicken quickly over high heat on the barbecue or in a hot pan, aiming for a gnarly crust and juicy interior. At the same time, caramelize slices of pineapple on the cooler side of the grill. Toast the buns, then layer the slaw, pineapple, sliced chicken, a few Scotch bonnet slices, and a drizzle of pickle juice. This burger delivers a mouthful of sunshine, spice, and juicy satisfaction.
These three easy recipes prove that cooking burgers on the barbecue doesn’t have to be ordinary. By incorporating fresh ingredients, clever techniques, and bold flavours, anyone can create mouthwatering burgers that become summer favourites. Whether you’re grilling sweet potato-infused beef patties, indulging in an intense beef and bacon creation, or enjoying a spicy jerk chicken masterpiece, these recipes bring joy, flavour, and fun to your outdoor cooking.
Cook The Best Burgers On The Barbecue This Summer: Easy Recipes For Everyone. There are any Cook The Best Burgers On The Barbecue This Summer: Easy Recipes For Everyone in here.
