May 28 is International Burger Day and what better way to celebrate than by having a nice burger? One of the best ways to make sure your burger is amazing is to make it a home and if you want to elevate it even further, you should consider adding a Latino twist to it. How? Well, there are plenty of options because each Latin American country enjoys burgers a certain way. Here are 10 Latino twists to make your burgers more delicious:
Make “salsa tártara” from Venezuela
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Salsa tártara, or tartar sauce, is a staple in Venezuelan cuisine and it’s usually enjoyed with fried foods like tequeños–one of the best Latin American snacks. This sauce is also popularly used in fast food, including burgers and hot dogs. If you want to give your burgers a Venezuelan twist, Venezuelan tartar sauce is very easy to make. You just need to blend mayonnaise with chopped pickles, capers, parsley, onion, mustard, a splash of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread it generously on your burger and we recommend you keep it simple with just the patty, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Add some Argentinian chimichurri
Photo by Dominic Lockyer on Flickr
Chimichurri is a versatile sauce from Argentina and it doesn’t just go on grilled meats and even empanadas. It’s typically made with chopped parsley, ground garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, so it’s very easy to make. Chimichurri is fresh, zesty, and has a bit of a kick, which is why it’s the go-to for asados in Argentina. It’s also why it will also go super well on a burger or you can mix it in with the ground beef for the patties, making them more flavorful than ever.
Use queso fresco for a Mexican twist
Queso fresco is a mild, creamy, and milky cheese that’s crazy popular in Mexico and Central America. It usually goes on tacos, but it will work well on a burger because it has a super soft texture and its subtle flavor won’t overpower everything else you add. Queso fresco can be a bit difficult to slice, so if you can’t manage it, you can just crumble it up and add it on top of your patty. Either way, it will be delicious!
Spread some Brazilian Catupiry cheese
Speaking of cheese, Catupiry can be another great addition to your burger. This cheese comes from Brazil and it’s spreadable, so it will be very easy to use. You can spread it on your burger bun or on top of the patty. Usually, Catupiry cheese is used for pastries and other savory dishes, and it’s known for its rich, buttery flavor. This is quite an indulgent Latino twist for a burger, so you’ll love every bite.
Incorporate some Colombian aji picante for a spicy kick
Aji picante is a spicy, tangy sauce from Colombia and it can make your burger a bit more complex. It’s made with hot peppers, cilantro, green onions, vinegar, and lime juice, so it’s not just spicy, it’s also zesty and super flavorful. It’s the perfect addition to your burger if you love a bit of heat, but be careful not to overdo it!
Add salsa criolla from Peru
Photo by Rebecca T. Caro on Flickr
If you like relish, this Peruvian take on it might just become one of your favorite burger additions. Salsa criolla is a kind of relish made with thinly sliced red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and aji peppers. It’s refreshing and it has a nice sing to it, so it’s a great option if you want your burger to be a savory flavor bomb.
Try some Puerto Rican mofongo
Mofongo is a Puerto Rican specialty made from mashed fried green plantains mixed with chicharrón (fried pork skin), garlic, and some broth. Mofongo is a popular side dish, but you can add it to your burger to enhance the flavor and add a bit of texture to it. If you find that you love mofongo and want to take it up a notch, you can actually use slices of mofongo instead of a bun on your next burger night.
Add some Mexican guacamole
If queso fresco is not really for you, you can use guacamole instead to add a Mexican twist to your burgers. Guacamole is a delicious dip and it’s so popular outside of Mexico that you probably already know how to make it. You just need ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños if you want to make it spicy. Once the guacamole is done, make your burger and add it on top of your patty. Alternatively, you could top every bite with it. Either way, you’ll enjoy it!
Add Honduran curtido to your burger
Photo by Sazónlatinocon Lizz on YouTube
If you’re a fan of anything pickled, you’ll love Honduran curtido. It’s basically pickled onions, carrots, and cabbage, with garlic and a touch of oregano. They use white vinegar to make it, so curtido is nice and tangy. The texture is also crunchy, which will make your burger a bit more complex. Curtido contrasts very well with a juicy burger patty with its fermented flavor, so it’s definitely a Latino twist you must try.
Drizzle with Salvadoran salsa roja
Last but not least, you can add Salvadoran salsa roja to your burger. Salsa roja is a type of tomato sauce made with fresh or canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chili pepper (it can be jalapeño, serrano, or whatever chili pepper you prefer), seasoned with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The sauce is sharp, aromatic, and full of flavor, which means it can take a simple burger to the next level.
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