Building a Better Burger: The Naked Bunless Burger Stack
Burgers are undeniably one of life's simple pleasures. The juicy, sizzling patty, the tantalising toppings, and the perfect marriage of flavours make them a beloved treat for all ages. However, the ingredients of a standard takeaway or supermarket burger, tend to be less enticing. When you consider the burger bun and a side of calorie-packed fries, the grand total of glucose and calories can quickly escalate.
What if we told you that the best part of a burger might just be the meat itself? That's where the Naked Burger Stack comes into play.
Say goodbye to the bun and hello to a creative and flavorful burger experience. It's a perfect weekend dinner for families, especially when you want to get kids involved in building their own burger while educating them about their food choices.
The bunless burger is a staple enjoyed globally by the low carb, paleo and keto community.
Why have bunless burgers become so popular?
Low Carbohydrate Content: Both the Paleo and Keto diets are low in carbohydrates, with Keto being extremely low-carb. Traditional burger buns are high in carbs, so eliminating the bun helps these communities reduce their carb intake. This aligns with the primary principle of Keto, which is to enter a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel due to the absence of carbohydrates.
Reduced Processed Ingredients: Many buns are made from processed and refined grains, which are generally avoided on Paleo and Keto diets. By omitting the bun, adherents of these diets can enjoy the burger without consuming these processed ingredients.
Elimination of Gluten: Many people following Paleo diets avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which is present in traditional burger buns. Choosing a bunless burger helps them steer clear of gluten-containing foods, which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Focus on Whole Foods: Both the Paleo and Keto diets emphasise whole, unprocessed foods. By removing the bun, individuals in these communities can concentrate on the quality of the burger patty and toppings, ensuring they are made from high-quality, minimally processed ingredients.
Customization: Skipping the bun allows for greater customisation. These diets encourage the consumption of nutrient-dense, high-fat, and high-protein foods, which are often better highlighted without the distraction of bread. By using lettuce wraps, mushrooms, or other low-carb alternatives as "buns," individuals can tailor their burgers to their specific dietary needs and preferences.
Satiety: High-fat and protein-rich meals, as commonly found in bunless burgers, can promote a feeling of fullness and satiety. This can help individuals on the Keto diet maintain ketosis and control their appetite.
Flavour Focus: Removing the bun can enhance the flavours of the meat and toppings, making for a more satisfying culinary experience. The absence of bread allows for a more intense meaty and savory experience, appealing to those who prioritise taste.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Low-carb diets, including Keto, are often chosen to help regulate blood sugar levels. By avoiding the high-carb bun, individuals can help stabilise their blood sugar and reduce the risk of insulin spikes.
Well, that's the science done and dusted, I suppose you're keen on the recipe now? Building a Better Burger: The Naked Bunless Burger Stack - here we go!
Our Burger Ingredients:
Beef or Lamb Burger (or opt for a Quorn Burger or Halloumi patty for a vegetarian twist)
Giant Field Mushroom, Aubergine, Capsicum, and Courgette (large slices) - any of these vegetables can be used to create a fun twist on a burger 'bun'
Herbs of choice – Rosemary for lamb, Paprika, Salt & Pepper for Beef
Optional toppings: bacon, a slice of halloumi, an egg, or tzatziki for an additional flavour punch
Cooking Method:
Preheat your grill, oven, or barbecue to medium-high heat.
Prepare the vegetables by slicing the capsicum, courgette, and aubergine into thick, round slices. Remove the stalk from the giant field mushroom.
Season the beef or lamb burger patty with your choice of herbs. Rosemary pairs perfectly with lamb, while paprika, salt, and pepper work wonders for beef.
NOTE: supermarket burger patties in New Zealand are pretty rubbish... so we always make our own. All you need is mince meat (lamb, beef or pork), an egg to help bind it, plus additional herbs and spices to flavour it if you'd like to. Our go-to is a lamb burger with rosemary, oregano & mint! Sometimes we add crushed garlic & onion but this isn't necessary.
Place the seasoned patty, along with the veggies, on a baking tray, frying pan, or directly on the grill if you're barbecuing. Cook the meat to your preferred level of doneness, making sure to flip it as needed.
Grill the vegetables until they are tender and have those beautiful grill marks.
While everything is cooking, consider adding extra toppings like a crispy bacon strip, a slice of halloumi, a fried egg, or a dollop of tzatziki. These toppings can take your Naked Burger Stack to the next level.
Once everything is cooked to perfection, it's time to assemble your Naked Burger Stack. Start with a grilled mushroom cap as the base, followed by a slice of aubergine, capsicum, courgette, and your deliciously seasoned beef or lamb patty.
If you're feeling adventurous, layer on your choice of toppings. The combinations are endless, so let your creativity shine.
Secure your Naked Burger Stack with a skewer or two, if needed, and serve it up!
This fun and interactive dinner allows your family to build their own burgers, experiment with various flavours, and discover what goes into crafting a delicious meal. The absence of a traditional burger bun lets the ingredients' true flavours shine, enhancing the overall experience.
It's a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen and educated about the food they eat. After all, knowledge is the best way to beat food anxiety, ensuring that everyone enjoys their meals without guilt.
So, next time you're craving a burger but want to skip the bun and fries, try the Naked Burger Stack. It's a flavourful, customisable, and nutrition-conscious alternative that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Enjoy the fun, the flavour, and the freedom to build your perfect burger!
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