5 Alternative Burger Recipes

Tired of serving up the same old classic burgers? With burgers a firm favourite in our household, I say no to the chip shop and am always looking for new and exciting ways to make our meals. After a long day, having plenty of mouths to feed means that quick and easy is often the best option, but you can still get creative.

I’ve come up with five delicious burger alternatives that are not only healthier than the classic version, but are cheaper, too – try them all and see which one is your new family favourite!

1. Pulled BBQ Chicken

Introducing a new take on a chicken burger, enjoy this delicious shredded chicken marinated in a sweet and smoky sauce. 

Prep: 10 mins

Cooking time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 large chicken breast fillets 

A pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce 

1 tomato 

1 Little Gem lettuce 

4 slices of mature Cheddar cheese (optional)

4 burger buns, halved and toasted

Method

Take a medium-sized bowl and place the chicken breasts inside, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Take your cup of barbecue sauce and add it to the bowl. The longer you marinade the chicken, the more flavour it will have – one hour in the fridge will work wonders.

Heat a large frying pan on a medium-high heat, making sure you add some oil. Once the oil heats up, it’s time to add the chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 6-7 mins each side, ensuring that the chicken is cooked through, with no traces of pink.

Once ready, place the chicken on a plate and using two forks, start to ‘pull’ the chicken so that you’re left with shredded strips. 

Cut your burger buns in half (toasting is optional) and add salad or cheese if you wish, placing the shredded chicken inside.  

2. Sweet Potato & Halloumi

Fancy a taste of Mediterranean mixed with a citrus sweet-potato mix? This dish is perfect for those looking for something other than meat. Sweet potato burgers are a healthy comfort food alternative.

Prep: 15 mins

Cooking time: 15 mins

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes, thinly sliced

250g halloumi, sliced

Pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 lemon 

1/2 lime 

2 tbsp mayonnaise 

4 burger buns

Take a medium-sized frying pan and place it on the hob on a medium-high heat. Add some oil, and once it reaches temperature, sprinkle salt and pepper on the potato slices and add them to the pan, turning them over after five minutes. Once soft and tender, place them on a plate.

Add the halloumi to the pan – be sure to keep an eye on it as it only needs one minute on each side. Squeeze the lemon and lime into the pan for a refreshing hit of acidity. Watch out for the sizzle!

Cut your burger buns in half and add the mayo to each side. Carefully stack the sweet potato and halloumi and add any salad that you wish.

3. Sweet Chilli Salmon

For all of the salmon lovers out there, this tantalising Asian twist is bursting with flavour. 

Prep: 15 mins

Cooking time: 15 mins

4 fillets of salmon

2 tbsp of Thai sweet chilli sauce

1/2 lemon

2/3 cup (85g) panko breadcrumbs

1/2 grated carrot

4 burger buns

Chop up the salmon and place in a blender or food processor, then add a squeeze of lemon and sweet chilli sauce. Pulse the mixture, then add the breadcrumbs. Once mixed, it’s time for the fun part. 

I like to get the kids involved with rolling up the patties and placing them on a plate. The burgers are even better if you chill for up to an hour in the fridge to firm up. While waiting, I start prepping the buns and grate the carrot.

Once the timer’s rung, heat a pan with a splash of oil and add the patties. Turn them every 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Add the grated carrot to the bun and place the patty on the other side. 

4. The Classic Twist

Although I am introducing some alternatives, the classic burger can still be made fun with a few tasty additions.

Prep: 10 mins

Cooking time: 15 mins

Ingredients

1 onion

500g British beef mince 

1 egg

4 slices mature Cheddar

Lettuce leaves

200g mushrooms

4 rashers of streaky/back bacon

1 tomato

4 burger buns

Slice your onions and add them to an oiled, pre-heated pan. Fry until golden brown and set to one side. At this stage, you can also fry the mushrooms and bacon (and anything else you fancy). In a bowl, mix the mince, egg and onions.

It’s patty time! Using a rolling motion, mix the contents of the bowl making four patties. At this stage, you can choose to chill the patties for up to 15 minutes to firm up. Place them on the griddle or barbecue, turning after 5-6 minutes or until cooked thoroughly. Once the second side is cooking, feel free to add cheese on top to get that lovely melted appearance.

You can now take your burger buns and add any sauce or salad of your choosing. 

5. Chickpea & Avocado

Chickpeas don’t have to be just for hummus! If you struggle to find mouthwatering vegetarian alternatives, this is the perfect recipe for you.

Prep: 20 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 cloves garlic

A pinch of salt and pepper

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup (64g) of breadcrumbs

1 avocado

4 burger buns

Place the chickpeas, avocado, garlic, salt and pepper into a food processor. Blend until finely chopped, then fold in the egg and add the breadcrumbs. Once thoroughly mixed, you can now start to make the patties. 

Once made, place them in the freezer for up to 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Take a frying pan and heat on a medium-high setting. Place your patties in the pan and turn every 5-6 mins or until golden brown.

Prepare your burger buns with any salad and you’re ready to go!

These quick and easy recipes will have your family asking for more. As my final tip, I’m never shy when it comes to adding some great sides. From sweet potato fries to smoky BBQ wedges, burger night in your house will never be the same again!

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have enjoyed this post on alternative burger recipes.

You can find my food section here with other yummy stuff.

*This is a collaborative post