Innovating a Burger!
Burgers are undeniably a Kiwi favorite, with countless variations already on the market. Wellington on a Plate continues to push the boundaries, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most creative burger concepts. Whether it’s a permanent menu staple or a limited-time special, a well-crafted burger is always a crowd-pleaser.
We love seeing the unique creations businesses bring to their customers. Today, we’re focusing on what makes the perfect burger—see our tips below to help you craft something truly memorable.
Start from the bottom... or the top?
The burger bun is one of the most important elements of the burger. You can have an incredible filling, but if the bun is soggy or stale, the whole burger experience is ruined.
The bun is also where you can get creative. While there are countless variations of fillings, it’s the choice of bun that truly sets your burger apart.
When selecting your bun, make sure it’s the right base for the ingredients you’re using. For example, if your burger has a lot of sauce, opt for a denser bun rather than a soft one. This will help prevent sogginess and ensure a more satisfying bite.
- Classic Choice: A soft brioche bun for a slightly sweet, buttery flavour.
- Gourmet Twist: A Pretzel Burger Bun for a rich, chewy texture with a hint of saltiness.
- Innovative Option: Using a Potato Waffle as a Bun for extra crunch and unique presentation.
Perfecting your Pattie
The heart of the burger is the patties, from red meat, to chicken. Fish to Veggie. The Pattie is the protein that everyone looks forward to.Â
- For Beef Burgers: Make your own by using 80/20 beef mince (80% meat, 20% fat) for a flavourful result, or use a premade burger bun, there are hundreds of amazing ones on the market!
- For Chicken Burgers: Opt for thigh meat over breast for better moisture and tenderness.
- For Plant-Based Burgers: A well-seasoned mushroom, black bean, or lentil patty can add depth of flavour.
We have to shout out our favourite Pattie from Carve Meat Co, this is what we used in our burgers at the Hospitality Golf Day! It goes perfect with our Pretzel Burger Bun, see the photo below!
Fill your boots with Fillings
The most interesting part of a burger which can make or break a burger are the fillings! Are you someone who likes just cheese? or do all the fixings tickle your fancy!
Cheese: Melted cheese is a staple for your burger the best cheese pairings in our opinion are… cheddar for beef, Blue Cheese with anything that has caramelised onion or a smoky sauce, or a smoked gouda idea for BBQÂ style burgers.
Tip: make sure to put the cheese on top of the Pattie while its still hot or cover the pan briefly to create steam.Â
Adding texture! Make your burger interesting by adding texture to make the burger more satisfying. Iceberg lettuce adds maximum crunch and Bacon for the smoky salty hit. More ideas below…
- Pickles
- Onion Rings
- Jalapeno Slices
- Hashbrowns
- Fries
Does Size matter?
Depending on your catering options, a large, hefty burger might not always suit your customers. While New Zealanders are known for loving big meals, consider offering smaller alternatives like sliders. Our favourite way to ensure burgers don’t become too filling before the main event is with Mini Burgers! At just 16.5g, these little beauties are perfect as hors d’oeuvres for special events and are undeniably cute.
