A keto burger has to be low carb, and that simply means no bun, but not flavorless! And no, we don't need a boring bun to enjoy a delicious burger on a keto diet. The main flavor of any burger is inside the perfectly cooked meat, not in that carb-filled roll!
When you have a perfect keto burger recipe, the key will be using the right seasonings. We've worked hard to perfect the keto quarter pounder recipe so it has everything you want in a burger.
Low in carbohydrates
This recipe is very flexible and adapts to the preferences of each one. If you like something specific on the burger, you can take a head chef's decision and add it. Add some extra pepper to the mix or even some hot sauce if you like a spicy burger. The key is to keep them low carb, but otherwise, use this recipe as a starting point to make the burger of your dreams.
There are different types of ground beef you can use depending on your preference or diet. When buying ground beef, keep in mind that the lower the fat percentage, the higher the price. Of course, when you're following a ketogenic diet, more fat can actually be a good thing! After all, fat is what fuels your body, and it's something you need to maintain your energy levels while in ketosis.
In the recipe you will see that we have added an egg, and it is ideal to keep the meat together when it has been filled with all the other ingredients, but it is not necessary, especially if you knead the meat very well from the beginning.
Why should we do it?
This keto burger recipe is very simple. With 2 ingredients and less than 1 net carb per serving, it will delight anyone on a keto diet. Using spices in this recipe adds a lot of flavor to the ground beef. Here are just a few of the reasons I love this recipe:
- Versatile: Keto burgers are very easy to make and very versatile. We can use this recipe for our Mexican burgers, easy meatballs for soups, or a tasty lunch meal.
- Low carb: with less than 1 gram of net carbs.
- everyday ingredients: keto ground beef recipes are amazing. Even if we can't buy them, we can always make them with any cut of meat.
- Quick and easy.
Tips
If we can't afford to splurge on beef, we can add two tablespoons of olive oil to the ground beef. This makes the burgers juicier and more flavorful. This trick also adds a bit more moisture to grass-fed beef, which can sometimes be a little lean.
The only real difference between home-cooked meals and restaurant food is the amount of fat and salt. Restaurants cook their food with more oil and season it more than the average home cook. Generally, you shouldn't use much salt in your home cooking, but when making hamburgers, remember that protein loves salt . It's become a mantra, and it hasn't disappointed those who have tried it.
It's also a good idea to have a burger press . With this tool, the burgers will be a consistent thickness every time you make them. Different sizes are available so you can find the one that suits your needs.
As for storage , you can freeze cooked or raw keto burgers. Place a piece of parchment paper between them to make separating them easier if needed. You can also use any ground meat or plant-based meat you prefer.
Bread Alternatives
Traditional white hamburger buns can contain between 21 and 30 grams of carbs per bun, making them not the most keto-friendly option. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to making a burger without a bun and still getting the micronutrient advantage by using whole-food-based bun options. However, you could also eat the burger without a bun substitute.
Here are some low-carb, keto, and gluten-free alternatives to hamburger buns:
- thick cut tomatoes– They can use thick slices of tomatoes to create an open-sided burger that can be enjoyed with a fork and knife. Two slices of tomato have less than 3 grams of net carbs.
- Lettuce leaves– Lettuce leaves are the most common choice for a low carb bread substitute. Green lettuce and even romaine lettuce are great options, all of which have less than 2 grams of net carbs per two leaves.
- Roasted Portobello Mushrooms: grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms for a delicious low carb "bread." Two large mushrooms contain less than 6 grams of net carbs and add a bit of protein, around 8 grams.
- thickly sliced red bell pepper: Although you may not be able to get a round shape, thick bell pepper slices can make a decent "bread" for a sandwich, we'll enjoy the slices raw or lightly roast them for more flavor (and a softer bite).
- grilled pineapple: A fruity option that tastes even better when lightly grilled. Two slices of pineapple contain about 13 grams of net carbs.
- French Fries: Although in large portions sweet potato may not be extremely keto-friendly, if we cut and grill a 1cm thick slice, you can use it as a mini slider option as it would have less than 12 grams of net carbs.
- Eggplant: Similar to sliced sweet potatoes, we can also cut the eggplant into 1cm thick slices and roast them at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until tender, and use them for a low carb burger bun option. Two slices of eggplant contain less than 6 grams of net carbs.
