Keto Hamburger Seasoning: Spices To Enhance Your Meat

Seasoning is the secret to making the perfect keto hamburger. While there are many pre-made seasoning mixes available, these often contain additives and preservatives. Making your own seasoning is a more cost-effective option, and allows you to control the ingredients and customise the flavour to your liking.

A good seasoning mix should include a blend of sweet, salty, zesty, and savoury flavours. For example, a combination of paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper, onion and garlic powders, cumin, and brown sugar. You can also add a little minced dried onion for added texture and flavour.

When preparing your hamburger meat, be careful not to overwork the meat as this can make it tough and chewy. Simply mix the seasoning into the meat and form into patties. You can also add a slight depression in the centre of the patty to help it retain its shape while cooking.

So, fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious, juicy keto hamburger!

The best store-bought seasoning

While making your own hamburger seasoning is cost-effective and easy, there are times when you just want to reach for a store-bought option. Here are some of the best store-bought seasoning blends to use in your keto hamburger meat:

McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning:

A blend of spices and herbs, including garlic, pepper, and red pepper flakes, this seasoning adds a bold and savoury flavour to your hamburger meat. It is also saltier than other blends, so a little goes a long way.

Worcestershire Sauce:

Although not a traditional "seasoning", this sauce can add a savoury, tangy, and slightly sweet flavour to your hamburger meat. It often contains ingredients such as vinegar, molasses, anchovies, onions, and garlic, giving your meat a complex flavour profile.

Paprika and Smoked Paprika:

Paprika is made from dried and ground capsicum peppers, and the "sweet" variety has almost no heat. Smoked paprika, on the other hand, is made from peppers slowly smoked over a fire, resulting in a rich, smoky-sweet flavour. Combining these two types of paprika in your hamburger meat will give it a unique and intriguing flavour.

Garlic and Onion Powder:

These two ingredients are staples in many seasoning blends, and for good reason. They add a savoury, slightly sweet, and pungent flavour to your meat. Using them in powder form ensures an even distribution of flavour throughout your hamburger meat.

Cayenne Pepper:

If you like a little kick to your hamburger, cayenne pepper is a great addition. It adds a spicy, pungent flavour that complements the other seasonings well. Just be cautious not to add too much, as a little goes a long way!

When using store-bought seasonings, it is important to read the labels carefully. Many blends contain added sugar, MSG, and other undesirable ingredients. Opt for cleaner blends with minimal additives, or, even better, make your own seasoning mix at home!

Making your own seasoning

There are a few things to keep in mind when making your own hamburger seasoning. Firstly, don't overwork the meat when mixing in the spices. This can make the burgers tough and chewy. It's okay if the colour isn't uniform after mixing. Secondly, use 80/20 ground beef for the best results. A good burger should be fatty and juicy, so leaner meat will give you a drier burger. Thirdly, weigh your meat before forming the patties to ensure even cooking. Finally, make a small indentation in the middle of each patty with your thumb to help the burgers retain their shape during cooking.

When it comes to the seasoning itself, there are a variety of spices you can use to create a delicious blend. A basic burger seasoning can be made with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. You can also add some dried minced onion for extra flavour and texture. If you want to get a little more creative, try combining garlic powder, seasoning salt, dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Or, for a slightly sweeter blend, mix together paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.

You can also experiment with adding ingredients like oregano, ground pepper, chilli powder or oregano. And don't be afraid to make a big batch! You can store your seasoning mix in a mason jar or airtight container for future use.

How much seasoning to use

The amount of seasoning to use for keto hamburger meat depends on the type of seasoning and your personal preference for taste. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you get the right amount of seasoning for your keto hamburger meat:

• For every pound of 80/20 ground beef, you can use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt or 3/4 teaspoon of table salt. This will provide a good balance of flavour without making the meat too salty.
• When it comes to black pepper, start with a smaller amount, such as 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust from there. Black pepper has a strong flavour and can easily overpower the other seasonings.
• For garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon per pound of ground beef is a good starting point. Garlic has a strong flavour, so it's important not to overuse it.
• If you're using Worcestershire sauce, a little goes a long way. Start with a few dashes or 1/2 teaspoon per pound of ground beef, and adjust to your taste.
• When adding bacon grease or olive oil to your keto hamburger meat, use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat. This will help to add moisture and enhance the flavour.
• If you're using a pre-made seasoning blend, such as Montreal steak seasoning, follow the package instructions, but be cautious as some brands can be saltier than others. Start with a smaller amount and taste the mixture before adding more.
• You can also make your own seasoning blend by combining ingredients like garlic powder, seasoning salt, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect blend for your taste preferences.
• Remember, it's always better to start with a smaller amount of seasoning and gradually add more to your keto hamburger meat. You can always add more, but it's difficult to remove seasoning if you've added too much.

Storing your seasoning

Firstly, choose your storage containers wisely. You can opt for the original store-bought jars, or transfer your seasonings to stackable, transparent containers. Just make sure they are air-tight, as exposure to air will cause your spices to lose their flavour. If you prefer bags, place those inside a container with a tightly fitted lid.

Secondly, keep your spices and herbs away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat and sunlight will cause the chemical compounds in spices and herbs to break down, resulting in a loss of flavour and aroma. Therefore, avoid storing them above the stove, near a window, or in a steamy environment. Instead, opt for a cool, dry place, like a drawer, cupboard, or a space-saving spice rack in a kitchen drawer.

Thirdly, keep your spices and herbs away from moisture. Avoid storing them near the stove or dishwasher, and ensure measuring spoons are dry before use. Never place them in the freezer, as humidity can alter flavours and cause mould.

Finally, keep track of the age of your spices. Whole spices tend to last longer than ground spices, but ultimately, the best gauge of freshness is your senses. If a spice has lost its fragrance, flavour, or the colour seems off, it's time to toss it out and restock.

When to season your meat

When it comes to seasoning your keto hamburger meat, the timing can depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you decide when to season your meat:

• Seasoning before cooking: One common approach is to season the meat before cooking. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat while it sits. For example, you can mix the seasoning with the ground beef and form it into patties before placing them on a baking sheet or grill. This method ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
• Seasoning during cooking: In some cases, you may choose to add seasoning while the meat is cooking. This is a good opportunity to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For instance, you can add taco seasoning to ground beef while cooking it in a pan.
• Seasoning after cooking: While it is less common, you can also season your keto hamburger meat after it is cooked. This approach allows you to control the amount of seasoning added to each serving. However, keep in mind that seasoning after cooking may not allow the flavours to blend as thoroughly.
• Pre-made seasoning mixes: Using pre-made seasoning mixes, such as Montreal steak seasoning, can be a convenient option. These mixes often contain a blend of spices and herbs that complement the flavour of beef. However, be mindful of the sodium content, as some mixes can be saltier than others.
• Customising the seasoning: Feel free to customise the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you want to enhance the savoury umami flavour, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
• Storing seasoned meat: If you are preparing the meat in advance, you can store the seasoned ground beef in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This can be a convenient option if you want to save time on busy weeknights.

Frequently asked questions