What sauces go on burgers?

In this article, we will answer the question “what sauces go on burgers?”, along with other information such as how to make your own burger sauce, and how to tell if the burger sauce is spoiled.

What sauces go on burgers?

A variety of sauces go on burgers and complement the other ingredients used. The most common ones are ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard due to their simplicity and ease of use. However, you can mix together your favorite sauces with herbs, and make a custom sauce, to better fit your preferences. 

How do I make my own burger sauce? 

You can make your own burger sauce in a variety of ways:

  • Classic burger sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Chop up some pickled cucumbers into fine pieces and add them to the sauce mixture. Give everything a good stir until fully incorporated, and enjoy with your burger.
  • Maple bacon relish: In a large skillet, fry your bacon strips until golden and crispy. Add in 3 tablespoons of red onion marmalade and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and cook on low until everything is combined. Once the sauce starts looking glossy, turn off the heat and let it cool.
  • Cheese sauce: In a large pan, melt a chunk of butter until it completely liquefies and mix in the flour. Finally, add the milk in small quantities while whisking the sauce simultaneously, to avoid any lumps that might form. Let the sauce boil on low heat and season with salt and pepper. Add the cheese and stir until it melts completely. 
  • Spicy burger sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, and tomato sauce. Add a finely chopped garlic clove, chili powder, and oregano and mix until combined. You can use a mild chili powder if you want a less spicy sauce. 

How can you tell if your burger sauce is spoiled?

You can tell your burger sauce is spoiled by its physical appearance. If the sauce has disintegrated or has mold growing on the surface, it is an indicator of spoilage. Moreover, if you notice an unpleasant odor from your sauce, discard it immediately to prevent the risk of food poisoning.

How long can you store homemade burger sauce?

You can store homemade burger sauce for 3 to 4 days if refrigerated properly. Store your sauce in a tightly sealed container, at the back of the fridge to extend its shelf life. 

Ensure that you return the remaining burger sauce back to the fridge, immediately after usage to prevent spoilage.

Can you freeze homemade burger sauce?

Yes, you can freeze homemade burger sauce to extend its shelf life by 1 or 2 months. Make sure you freeze the sauce in a tightly sealed container to prevent freezer burn. 

Avoid storing the sauce in a glass container as it could expand and crack in the freezer. To defrost the sauce, refrigerate it for a couple of hours.

Can you make a vegan burger sauce?

Yes, you can make a vegan burger sauce by using vegan ingredients. Begin by mixing together vegan mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sriracha (chili sauce) in a small bowl, until combined thoroughly. You could also add a finely chopped pickled cucumber to enhance the flavor and enjoy.

Are hamburgers with sauce healthy?

No, hamburgers with sauce are considered unhealthy due to their fatty meat and high-calorie condiments. A single double-patty hamburger has 375 calories per serving and if it is consumed regularly, it could lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, blood pressure, and kidney disease.

How do you make a healthy burger?

You can make a healthy burger in many ways:

  • Use a low-calorie bun: A classic hamburger bun tends to have between 140 to 150 calories per serving. This can be minimized by opting for low-carb buns such as those made from whole wheat or keto hamburger buns, which tend to have only 50 calories per serving.
  • Use healthier fillings: instead of using lettuce and sliced tomato, switch to microgreens and heirloom tomatoes which are a much healthier alternative. You can also add sliced avocados, and pineapples, and switch to low-carb condiments like hummus or mustard. 
  • Switch to a veggie burger: Excluding grilled meat from your hamburger will significantly reduce your calorie intake by approximately 200 calories. You could trade meat for other options such as tofu, a poached egg, kimchi, or even stir-fried mushrooms as they are very flavorful.

How long can you store a burger with sauce in the refrigerator?

You can store a burger with sauce in the fridge for about two-three days and it contains a lot of preservatives. However, always be cautious when consuming leftovers as they could be spoiled and you may risk getting food poisoning. Ensure that you examine the burger thoroughly for spoilage before consumption.

Other FAQs about Sauces that you may be interested in.

What can I use instead of red chilli sauce

What can I use instead of plum sauce?

What can I use instead of mirin sauce

Is sweet chili sauce the same as chili jam

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered the question “What sauces go on burgers?”, along with other information such as how to make your own burger sauce, and how to tell if the burger sauce is spoiled.

References

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-burger-sauces-you-can-make-minutes

https://www.livestrong.com/article/306441-how-many-calories-does-a-hamburger-have/