13 Unexpected Seasonings For Restaurant-Quality Burgers

Smoked paprika

As the name implies, smoked paprika imparts a warm, smoky flavor to your burger. It can be used alone or as part of a spice blend. Peaches Ayers, the head chef at Adrift Tiki Bar in Denver, Colorado, incorporates smoked paprika along with other spices before shaping the burger patties at the restaurant.

"Integrating the spices into the meat enhances the flavor profile," Ayers explains. "For this technique, I prefer to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika." This combination works harmoniously to infuse each bite of the burger with savory, spicy, and smoky notes even before it hits the grill.

Smoked paprika is derived from red peppers but is milder than other varieties like ghost pepper or cayenne. You can elevate your culinary experience by exploring paprika from different regions to discover subtle flavor variations. It pairs beautifully with creamy cheese on a burger, complemented by the tanginess of pickles or coleslaw for an added layer of flavor.

White pepper

Many chefs concur that salt and pepper are essential seasonings for a delicious burger, but you can add a unique twist to these staples by replacing black peppercorns with white pepper. This alternative offers a similar flavor profile and spice level, but tends to be a bit smoother. Both types of pepper originate from the same plant, yet their different processing methods lead to subtle variations in taste. To produce white pepper, ripe peppercorns are soaked in water to remove their outer skin before being dried, resulting in a milder spice that still provides a gentle kick to enhance the meat's natural flavors. Depending on the production method and brand, white pepper can also have a slightly earthier flavor.

White pepper is an excellent choice if you want other spices and flavors to take center stage. A strong dose of black pepper can sometimes overshadow other tastes, while white pepper tends to blend more harmoniously. Additionally, since black pepper is a common ingredient in various cuisines, the novelty of using white pepper can offer a refreshing change.

Black truffle sea salt

If you believe that standard salt and pepper are your only choices, consider upgrading to black truffle sea salt instead of regular table salt. This luxurious seasoning enhances your burger with a rich, savory flavor without the overwhelming intensity of truffle oil, which can dominate other ingredients. Black truffles, a rare and often expensive type of mushroom, can be substituted with a more budget-friendly sea salt infused with black truffle, which also addresses your salt seasoning needs.

The sea salt contributes to a delectable crust on a seared burger and helps retain the patty's moisture. While opinions vary on the optimal time to season the patty, Gordon Ramsay famously suggests preparing and salting it a day ahead to improve the burger's cohesion and flavor.

Peaches Ayers enjoys pairing black truffle sea salt with white pepper to enhance the meat's flavor while adding a fresh twist to the burger. This combination remains close to the classic seasoning duo but introduces a distinctive flair.

Furikake

Furikake is a flavorful seasoning mix commonly found in Japanese cooking. It typically consists of dried fish, seaweed, sesame seeds, and various other ingredients that contribute a salty and briny taste to dishes like burgers. While it's often associated with sushi, furikake can enhance a wide range of foods, including popcorn and instant ramen. When used on burgers, it serves as a delightful topping that adds a touch of crunch from the seeds.

"In my signature Loco Moco Smash Burger, I season the meat and the patties as they grill, finishing them off with tonkatsu sauce and furikake," explains Peaches Ayers. "Layering the seasoning at different stages of cooking is the key to creating a distinctive and unforgettable meal."

Furikake is most effective as a finishing touch, as it introduces additional flavor rather than simply enhancing the meat's natural taste. Begin with a small quantity to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients, and adjust to your liking. You can find furikake in the spice aisle or the Asian food section of most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can create a similar flavor profile by grinding nori sheets and combining them with sesame seeds, soy sauce, and salt.

Korean red pepper

Also referred to as gochugaru, Korean red pepper resembles red pepper flakes or chili powder, both of which can be found in stores. You might need to visit a specialty market to find the specific brand or variety you prefer, but we assure you that the extra effort is worthwhile. Unlike regular red pepper flakes, gochugaru offers a unique smokiness and can even add a hint of sweetness to your dishes. Incorporate a small amount with your salt and pepper when shaping your patties. If you want to increase the heat, blend a bit of gochugaru paste into your ketchup or other condiments before applying it to your finished burger patty.

This spice blend can elevate everything from breakfast burritos to alfredo sauce, but adding it to a burger is an excellent way to let the heat shine. This seasoning tends to be on the spicier side, although the level of heat can differ by brand and batch. If you're preparing a cheeseburger, consider topping it with a mild, creamy cheese like mozzarella. This will help balance the heat of the gochugaru powder and is a great way to introduce your taste buds to this type of spice.

Green peppercorns

If black pepper is too intense for your taste, try using green peppercorns instead. These peppercorns come from the same plant as black pepper but are typically pickled or dried before they fully ripen. This process results in a milder flavor that still maintains some fruity and earthy notes, unlike black pepper, which has a sharper kick.

Although green pepper is less pungent, it can still create a delightful crust that enhances the seasoning of burgers. Use it just like you would black pepper, ideally opting for whole peppercorns to grind fresh as you season.

If you're interested in exploring different pepper varieties, consider using a blend that includes black, white, green, and pink peppercorns. The flavor variations are subtle, but for a burger enthusiast, incorporating a mix of seasonings can add an extra layer of complexity. Plus, it looks impressive when you're preparing burger patties at home and grinding the pepper yourself.

Purple shallot

To enhance the umami flavor in your burger, think about incorporating some purple shallots. This allium-based seasoning imparts a sweet taste to your burger, akin to onion flakes or powder. Since shallots are milder than onions, this seasoning offers a gentler flavor compared to the more commonly used onion powder for delicious burgers. While it may be a bit harder to find, a small amount goes a long way and has a long shelf life. If you're substituting dried shallots for fresh, diced ones, a generous pinch of dried shallots is roughly equivalent to half of a sliced fresh shallot. You can easily mix it into the meat before shaping your patties.

Purple shallots are available sliced and dried, but fried shallot flakes are also popular. These can introduce a different flavor profile depending on their preparation and can add a slight crunch, especially when used as a topping. Fried shallots are typically larger, so they may not blend as seamlessly into your burger patty. Feel free to experiment with both options to discover your preference, or even combine them to enjoy a variety of umami-rich flavors.

Celery salt

Celery salt is a fantastic and adaptable enhancement that can elevate the natural flavor of your burger without overpowering the meat's savory qualities. This seasoning, made from a blend of ground celery seeds and salt, accentuates the meat's inherent flavors, making it essential for any great burger. It introduces a touch of bright earthiness while remaining a subtle presence on your plate.

If you choose to use celery salt, skip any additional salt when preparing your burger patty. Pair it with pepper to create a balanced flavor profile that allows the meaty taste to shine. Use celery salt in the same quantity as you would regular salt. While you can find celery salt in the spice section of most grocery stores, you can also easily create your own mix using celery seeds and either table salt or sea salt. This versatile seasoning can also replace salt in various dishes, such as a Chicago-style hot dog, potato salad, or even as a salted rim for a Bloody Mary. The difference is subtle but definitely worth exploring if you appreciate the classic flavor of a well-seasoned burger and want to add a little extra flair.

Cayenne

Add an extra kick to your burgers with a sprinkle of cayenne powder. You can adjust the amount to your liking, mixing it with other spices to create your desired level of heat. This powder is derived from cayenne peppers, which are classified as "hot" on the Scoville scale that measures pepper intensity. Compared to chili powder and other spices that provide a mild heat, cayenne powder is quite potent, so if you're new to it, start with a small amount.

If you tend to be generous with cayenne, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sweating while enjoying your spicy burger. Luckily, this can offer some health benefits, as capsaicin—the compound that gives peppers their heat—can aid digestion and even enhance your metabolism. Even a pinch can significantly boost the flavor, transforming a mundane burger into a fiery delight. Pair it with a creamy cheese to help balance the heat.

Diamond Crystal brand kosher salt

While salt is a common seasoning choice for burger patties, the specific brand can be crucial for some chefs. Devon Quinn, the chef at Eden in Chicago and the recent winner of the city's Hamburger Hop competition, recommends Diamond Crystal kosher salt. This brand is recognized for its coarse texture of delicate salt crystals, which are hollow due to a unique evaporation process. It adheres to the meat when sprinkled on top but also integrates into the surface as the patty cooks.

"A high-quality burger patty should be generously seasoned with Diamond Crystal kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper," Quinn advises. This approach allows the burger's natural flavors to shine through and pairs well with a variety of toppings. The combination that won the Judge's Choice Award featured a well-seasoned patty topped with American cheese sauce, dill pickle coleslaw, arugula, oven-dried tomatoes, and black garlic dijonnaise. By keeping the seasonings simple yet high-quality, the other ingredients can harmonize without being overshadowed by overly strong flavors.

Freshly ground black pepper

While pepper may seem like a standard choice, the way you use it can elevate your burger from ordinary to gourmet. For optimal results, utilize a pepper mill to freshly grind seasoning directly onto your burger patty.

Devon Quinn prioritizes quality over quantity when it comes to both pepper and salt. Alongside Diamond Crystal salt, Quinn incorporates freshly ground pepper into the patty of the restaurant's award-winning burger. "We aim to preserve the natural flavor of the beef," Quinn explains. "It's crucial that every ingredient added to the burger is of high quality and thoughtfully chosen, while still staying true to classic burger toppings."

We recommend the OXO Good Grips contoured mess-free pepper grinder, but any adjustable pepper mill will do the trick. Opt for a mill that allows you to use your own peppercorns for the best customization. You can choose from black, green, white, pink, or a blend of various peppercorns.

Porcini powder

Crafted from mushrooms, porcini powder elevates the flavor of your burger when incorporated into the patty or sprinkled on top before grilling. Matt Jaffe, Director of Operations at The Capital Burger, is a fan of this ingredient. "At The Capital Burger, we incorporate dried porcini powder into our seasoning blend to amplify the flavor of our burgers and highlight that savory, umami essence," he explains. Jaffe notes that the "earthy and mushroom notes" complement the meat's inherent taste and texture, resulting in an exceptionally savory burger. Given that porcini mushrooms themselves possess a rich, meaty flavor, it’s no wonder they enhance a burger's taste.

You can prepare it at home by drying mushrooms in a dehydrator, or you can purchase the spice from a store. You may also come across blends that include chili powder or red pepper for an added kick. For a convenient seasoning option, mix it with salt to season your burger in one go. If you have larger pieces of dried mushrooms, you might need to grind them into a finer powder to ensure an even application across the burger's surface.

Blackening spice

Blackening spice is a blend of various spices that enhance the flavor of burgers, including garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and more. Utilizing a quality blackening spice brings together all the best flavors in a single, convenient step. While it's often associated with fish and chicken, it also imparts a smoky, savory, and even slightly sweet taste to burgers.

Chef Joe Cash, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist and the owner/chef of Scoundrel in Greenville, South Carolina, incorporates blackening spices into the restaurant's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel" burger, which is grilled over an open flame. With two patties, achieving the right seasoning blend is essential for crafting a delicious burger.

"I believe the light smoke and blackening spice complement each other beautifully," Cash explains. "You typically don’t want to mix anything into the meat, but once the burgers are shaped, I like to add a generous layer of salt and blackening spice." After grilling, you can top the burger with a slice of cheese for a creamy contrast to the bold flavors.