Description
Savory hidden veggie burgers deliver a delightful twist on classic comfort food, sneaking nutritious vegetables into a mouthwatering meal. Health-conscious diners and picky eaters will love this clever culinary creation that proves eating well can be incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground chicken (dark meat)
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced pickles
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Serving Components:
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
- Burger sauce
Instructions
- Gently grate zucchini and thoroughly drain moisture by pressing through a clean kitchen towel, removing excess liquid to prevent soggy burger texture.
- Combine drained zucchini with finely shredded carrots, ground chicken, and a harmonious blend of onion powder, garlic powder, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Delicately fold ingredients together, avoiding excessive manipulation to maintain the meat’s tender consistency.
- Partition the mixture into four uniform portions, carefully sculpting each into robust patties approximately three-quarters of an inch thick.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat, introducing a drizzle of avocado oil to create a perfect searing environment.
- Carefully position patties in the skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust for approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure complete cooking.
- Remove skillet from heat, crown each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese, and momentarily cover to leverage residual warmth for gentle melting.
- Toast brioche buns until achieving a light golden crispness.
- Construct burgers by layering crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, tangy pickles, and a generous spread of burger sauce atop the melted cheese patties.
- Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy burger texture and ensure crisp, well-bound patties.
- Add extra grated vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for more nutrition and hidden veggie boost.
- Chill patties for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together and develop richer flavor profile.
- Use lean ground chicken and drain excess moisture to create healthier, less greasy burger option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg