Looking for the perfect spice mix for your homemade burgers? Then this easy burger seasoning recipe is the thing for you! Stir it into your hamburger patties or sprinkle it on top of frozen ones before grilling, baking, or air frying!
You can even make a big batch to use later or give to your friends as a gift, especially during the holiday period.
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If you have been here a few times then you will know how much I love making my own spice blends. My homemade AIP taco seasoning and pilau masala rice spice are some of my absolute favorites!
In keeping up with the theme, I couldn't be happier to share yet another spice recipe with you guys!!
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Burger Seasoning Ingredients
Please check out the recipe card below for the full ingredient measurements and the recipe video.
- sweet paprika – this type is made from bell (capsicum) peppers that have no heat at all.
- smoked paprika – is slightly spicy and is made from capsicum or bell peppers that have been slowly roasted over a smoked fire.
- brown sugar – I like to use a sugar-free brown sugar alternative to keep it healthier and cut down on the calories!
- onion powder.
- salt.
- black pepper.
- garlic powder.
- ground cumin – introduces a sweet and earthy punch.
- cayenne pepper.
How to Make It
This easy hamburger seasoning recipe will help transform your burgers. Simply add all the ingredients to a small bowl and combine! Use it to season your burger patties or to spice up your ground beef in recipes!
How to Use It
Burger seasoning can be combined with ground meat when making patties or sprinkled on top of already-formed burgers. You can also use it on frozen burgers.
Useful Tips
And here are a few useful tips that definitely come in handy when making burgers:-
- Brush some cooking oil on the side of the burger hitting the grill first to prevent it from sticking.
- When mixing in the seasoning, take care not to overwork the burgers. Form your patties as tenderly as possible as overworking the meat makes the proteins to cross-link, resulting in denser and tighter burgers.
- Resist the temptation to cut through the burgers to check whether they are done as cutting through will only make the juices run. Rather, give the burgers time to cook through and form a crust.
- The time the burgers will need to cook will depend on the size. Here is a rough temperature guide:-
- Here's a rough temperature guide:
- 120°F (49°C) and below for rare (red/raw in the center).
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare (pink and warm).
- 140°F (60°C) for medium (totally pink, starting to dry out).
- 150°F (66°C) for medium-well (grayish-pink, significantly drier).
- 160°F (71°C) and above for well-done (completely gray, very little moisture).
Storing
Store this homemade burger seasoning in an airtight spice jar or in any suitable container, in a cool and dry place for up to 3 months. I recommend making the spice mix in small batches which you can easily use up, as opposed to one big batch to ensure the burger seasoning still keeps fresh.
Common Questions
Can I use this Burger Seasoning on poultry?
While this spice blend has been made primarily for burgers, it can perfectly be used on turkey, chicken, and other types of poultry burgers. I actually love using it on my frozen turkey burger patties! Also feel free to vary it to suit your taste; for example, use sugar-free brown sugar sweetener to keep it low-carb or simply incorporate your favorite herbs to make it herb-y!
How much spice should I use?
A teaspoon of this seasoning mix per pound of meat is a good starting point but simply use more or less, depending on how spicy you like your food to be.
More Homemade Spice Blends to Make
📖 Recipe
Best Burger Seasoning
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or a suitable sugar-free alternative such as Sukrin Gold)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin (introduces a sweet and earthy punch)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more if you like your food spicier)
Instructions
- Combine the sweet and smoked paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper in a bowl or in a spice jar.1 tablespoon sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon salt
- If using a spice jar, close the lid and shake to combine. Otherwise use a small spoon to combine the ingredients. Store your homemade burger seasoning in an airtight container and keep it in a cool and dry place.
Notes
- Use a sugar-free brown sugar sweetener to keep it healthier and cut down on carbs or calories!
- A teaspoon of spice for every pound of meat is a good starting point; simply adjust it to your spice preference.
- Store your homemade burger seasoning in airtight spice jars or other suitable containers, in a cool and dry place for up to 3 months. I recommend making the spice mix in small batches which one can easily use up, as opposed to one big batch to ensure the burger seasoning still keeps fresh.
- Nutritional information is considered an estimate, based on tools that this website uses. It will vary, depending on the products used. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information.
Danielle Wolter
I can't wait to try this! I'll bet it'll be great on my steaks and my ribs too. Yum!
Beth Sachs
I'll be giving this delicious sounding seasoning a try next time we make burgers!
Natalie
I'm definitely saving this. Sounds like a great addition to burgers. Lovely flavors and I love that you used both smoked and sweet paprika.
Farah Abumaizar
This recipe will always come in handy! Thanks for giving us the key to perfect homemade burgers!
Michelle
This is such a great spice mix. I used it to make veggie burgers and they were so tasty, your seasoning made a huge difference! Thanks so much for sharing.