It may seem counterintuitive, but did you know eating spicy foods in the Summer can actually keep you cool? It's true! Just like hot weather, hot foods make you sweat which—as we're sure you know—is your body's natural cooling system!
So if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen because this article is packed with spicy patties, bold sauces, and all kinds of delicious ideas for classic beef burgers, salmon burgers, turkey burgers, chicken burgers, and vegan burgers that'll make your mouth water!
Spicy & Smoky Candied Bacon Burger
You've never had a bacon burger like this before. Normally you'd have to worry about the intense flavor of the bacon overpowering and overshadowing the flavor of the beef, but not with this recipe! The burger is packed with tons of flavorful ingredients, and the bacon is candied right on the grill giving it a unique, smoky flavor unlike anything you've ever had before. Top it off with the delightful crunch of crispy onion strings and you'll be ready for seconds before you're even finished with your first!
Here's what you'll need to add to your shopping list:
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Pretzel buns
- Thick cut bacon
- Brown sugar
- Yellow onion
- Flour
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Vegetable oil
- Sir Kensington’s Special Sauce
View the full recipe and instructions here!
Salmon Burgers with Spicy Hoisin Mayo
Looking for something a little more out of the ordinary? These salmon burgers have a touch of sweetness from the hoisin mayo, a hint of tartness from the marinated cucumbers, and, of course, a kick of heat from the sriracha. Plus you can take the "homemade" factor up a notch by catching the fish yourself. Talk about fresh!
Here's what you'll need to add to your shopping list:
- Cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger root
- Red pepper flakes
- English cucumber
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Lime
- Skinless wild fresh or frozen salmon fillet
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon
- Sesame seed hamburger buns
- Mayonnaise
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha
View the full recipe and instructions here!
Jalapeno Cheddar Turkey Burgers
This burger has it all. It's flavorful, it's juicy, and it's so easy to customize. For example, if you want a bolder, spicier burger, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeños; for a milder, yet still ridiculously delicious patty, remove the seeds and membranes and only use the actual pepper. (And if we're being honest, we're not ones to turn away anything topped with guacamole!)
Here's what you'll need to add to your shopping list:
- Ground turkey
- White, yellow, or red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Jalapeño
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Lime
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Soft hamburger buns
- Guacamole
- Sliced cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
View the full recipe and instructions here!
Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwiches
Spicy doesn't always have to mean hot Hot HOT! This chicken "burger" is encased in a delicate, blackened crust made of a savory blend of cajun spices. Also, we suggest you do yourself a favor and toast your buns for an added bit of structural integrity, then top with lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese just like you would a classic cheeseburger!
Here's what you'll need to add to your shopping list:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Pepperjack or monterey jack cheese
View the full recipe and instructions here!
Chickpea Chorizo Burgers with Green Olive Cashew Cheese
Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you should miss out on the experience of eating burgers in the summertime. These chickpea and walnut patties have a hearty texture, and the olive and cashew cheese is the perfect, creamy complement to the bold spice blend.
Here's what you'll need to add to your shopping list:
- Raw cashews
- Unflavored non-dairy milk
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pimento-stuffed green olives
- Canned chickpeas
- Chopped walnuts
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Yellow onion
- Soy sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Sweet paprika
- Ancho chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Dried thyme
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Canola Oil
View the full recipe and instructions here!
Is your mouth watering yet? We hope this list gets your creative juices flowing. And if you’d like to get more ideas for the ultimate cookout, check out the Cooking Tips section of our blog!