What comes to mind when you think of the hamburger? Is it the scene of a classic American diner, with a juicy cheeseburger sitting on a plate with some greasy fries? Or have you ever thought of sitting in a restaurant in Hamburg, Germany wondering what possible correlation a city like this could have to the classic American food? For me, this trip opened the door to learn the answer to this question.
Hamburg, Germany is a major port city in northern Germany. It’s name did influence the common hamburger food we know today. The 2018 DK book “The Story of Food: An Illustrated History of Everything We Eat” offers some insight:
“Ground beef, extended with bread crumbs and onions, was served as a cheap meal to immigrants sailing from Hamburg in Germany to North America. Called Hamburg steak, the dish was reinvented on US shores.”
Let’s just end this history lesson with saying that I had to try my share of burgers in Germany…
Perhaps the one that stood out the most was the vegan burger (pictured left and below). Before arriving in Hamburg, I had no idea that vegan food was so popular in this European city. Apparently, veganism is a growing trend in this area. It is a little ironic given the fact that the famous beef dish took form here. Nevertheless, the vegan food was delicious! (And perhaps deserves more talk in a future post).
Taking a little inspiration from all this burger talk, I’ve made my own version of a delicious burger, juicy and flavorful with a little healthy twist: A Juicy Turkey Burger.
This was suprisingly simple to throw together, containing just 5 ingredients (minus salt and pepper).
I topped it off with just some string onions and tomato, and it was still bursting with flavor. Pair it with some fries, or for another healthy twist, fix up some breaded green beans in the air fryer.
A Juicy Turkey Burger
Ingredients
- 1lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 minced jalapeno (this added more flavor than spice)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
- Mix together all ingredients and form into 4 equal patties.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the patties hold shape.
- Heat around 1 tbsp vegetable oil on a skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Cook patties until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (around 5 minutes on each side).
- Serve on a hamburger bun with desired toppings.
Looks so yummy! I am such a burger girl!
Thank you!
I’m always intrigued by the history of a particular food, such as the hamburger and where it came from. It must have been fun trying out those burgers in Germany; they look delicious. Your version looks mouthwatering with the turkey, which is my go-to ground meat- excited to try it out soon!
Thank you! Yes, I love trying new foods when I travel, and I love hearing that someone else is interested in the backstory behind these dishes too. I hope you find it delicious!