California Burgers #4thofJulyParty
I adore a grilled burger topped with mayo, lettuce, and a garden fresh tomato slice. Dubbed California Burgers, the fresh toppings over charcoal-seared hamburgers create a summer’s delight for the palate.
Why You Must Make this Burger Recipe
- The simple toppings are fresh and delicious!
- Just a few simple additions to the ground beef add loads of flavor and umami.
- It’s a perfect way to shake up your grilling routine.
I must make this disclaimer: I grew up in Iowa. So what my mom called California Burgers is probably not the same as what those on the west coast would envision. As far as I recall, any burger with lettuce, tomato and mayo was differentiated from the traditional ketchup and mustard version and dubbed a California burger.
Those are still my preferred toppings, though I will add a wee bit of ketchup and mustard to my mayo…and maybe some avocado slices. The rest of the family seems to put equal parts Heinz ketchup to burger. Yeah, I hang out with a sophisticated crowd.
Fire Up the Grill!
We grill all year round. And it has to be with a charcoal grill. We love that extra dose of carcinogens smoky flavor. Bill has been known to scrape the snow off our Weber kettle mid-January just to sear a juicy burger. Of course, none are better than mid-summer burgers with ripe garden tomatoes…and it is our 4th of July tradition to fire up the grill. Most times, I liberally season our burgers with salt and pepper, but a Cook’s Country recipe for Grilled Steak Burgers inspired me. I added some minced garlic, onion powder, and soy sauce to melted butter which was then mixed with the ground beef. I loved the subtle garlic and onion undertones. These California burgers were such a delicious change from our typical fare.
4th of July Recipes
I’m joining the Holiday Blog Party for the 4th of July. My friends and I are sharing Summer, American or Red, White and Blue recipes…perfect for Independence Day or any summer gathering. Please check out their amazing recipes:
1. Berry Cheesecake Crumb Tart from Hungry Couple NYC
2. California Burgers from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
3. Patriotic Brownie Cookies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
4. Red, White & Blueberry Parfaits from Cravings of a Lunatic
5. Red, White & Blue Deviled Eggs from Created by Diane
6. Summer Berry Pizza from Magnolia Days
7. Sparkling Pineapple Cake Martini from The Messy Baker
8. Red, White & Bleu Mac ‘N Cheese from Juanita’s Cocina
9. Red, White & Blue Vanilla Bean Spritzers from Pineapple and Coconut
10. Red, White & Blue S’mores Pies from Big Bears Wife
11. Lemon Raspberry Sugarless Cookies from What Smells so Good
12. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Squares from Chocolate Moosey
13. Berry Trifle from Jen’s Favorite Cookies
14. Watermelon Mojito Ice Pops from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
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California Burgers
Dubbed a California Burger, the fresh toppings over charcoal seared hamburger create a summer's delight for the palate.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (85-90% fat)
- Hamburger buns
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Sliced avocados
- Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl, then add garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and soy sauce. Microwave about 15 more seconds to infuse flavors into butter (watch carefully so butter doesn't boil out of container). Gently mix into ground beef. Form into 4 hamburger patties.
- Grill to desired doneness.
- Serve with condiments of your choice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 burgerAmount Per Serving: Calories: 763Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 980mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 56g
51 Comments on “California Burgers #4thofJulyParty”
Butter in burgers? Genius!
Amazing looking burger! Love the avocado. We only cook burgers on the grill. Your husband has inspired me to make sure we do more winter grilling.
Whatever you decide to call this burger, it looks wonderful. I’m ready for one right now! You did a great job with the photography too Liz. We just did a burger shoot for California Avocado. Just before we did it, I ready that burgers are one of the most difficult things to photograph! That made me a bit nervous 🙂
That looks so juicy and delicious! I love avocado, tomatoes and mayo in my burger. YUM!!!
This burger sounds awesome and so delicious.
Thanks, Jackie!
we almost always grill out as well! We’ll have to try these soon!
I love this! The add of avocado brought the whole burger to another level….HEALTHY 🙂
I’m not even a big meat eater but your hamburger looks mighty good, Liz…Got to love our menfolk with the ketchup – my hubby has a similar habit.
One look at that burger and I’m ready to wave the flag.
I love this. Perfect burgers for a perfect holiday weekend.
I’m such a grill girl. I push hubs out of the way so I can grill. I’m eyeing up a new charcoal grill. Um, hubs doesn’t know yet, so let’s just keep that between us.
Dear Lizzy, Sounds like this burger would be delicious in any state! Blessings, Catherine
Yum!! i love the idea of avocado on a burger, sounds delicious… I would call it a Californian Burger too because its like the Californian Sushi Rolls 🙂
i don;t want no Texas burger- give me a CA burger this year! WOW!
I didn’t know you grew up in Iowa. I haven’t been there. Was it where they filmed ‘The Bridges of Madison County’? Burgers are just great in the summer and they’re a meal that’s enjoyed by the entire family xx
I love the avocado on these burgers… Love that extra creamy texture they give. I think these totally are Californian with all ther beautiful colors and veggies. 🙂
Your California burger sounds great. I don’t think I’ve ever put an avocado on a burger but why not – it sounds delicious! Now I may have to just slather some guacamole on top, you’ve inspired me.
What a juicy looking burger! We are year round grillers too when the hubby feels like braving the cold and snow:) Definitely love the addition of avocado on these:)
These burgers look delicious Lizzy!!
Burgers are such an essential of life. I am very pleased with my gluten-free bread rolls which make a mean burger. Avocado is essential but I use chili sauce and hummus instead of tomato sauce for a change.
Yum! That’s all I’m gonna say, just yum:@)