There is nothing more American that grilling up some hamburgers at a backyard cookout. Lettuce, cheese, and bacon are familiar additions to plain burger. Try adding some international flair to your next burger with ethnic inspired toppings and mix-ins.

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Expand your patties beyond ground beef. Experiment with ground lamb, chicken, or pork patties for a completely new taste. Most local grocery stores like Smiths, Harmon’s, and Fresh Market carry a variety of ground meats on a regular basis. If you don’t see what you need, ask your butcher.
Mix things up further by substituting the traditional bun to tasty alternatives like pita pockets, potato buns, onion rolls, or ciabatta. Even thick sliced French bread can be worthy bun replacement. When using softer breads create a barrier with mayonnaise or grilling with butter to prevent the bun from turning to mush when the juicy patty is placed on it.
Take cues from your favorite ethnic recipes and adjust elements as mix ins to the meat or as toppings. As you experiment with your own flavor combinations try to keep those flavors in balance. Create contrast like spicy and sweet or creamy and tangy.

To get started here are some simple ideas.
Italy – Mix in some grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the ground beef mix. Top with roasted red peppers, sliced salami, and provolone cheese.
Jamaica – Coat the patties with Jerk Seasoning before grilling. Top with a grilled pineapple slice for sweet and spicy contrast.

Mexican – Season the patties with Adobo seasoning. Top with homemade guacamole, pickled jalapenos, and shredded cabbage. And be sure to see the Rick Bayless recipe below as well.

Cuban – Top your burger with Dijon mustard, ham, Swiss cheese, and two dill pickles.

Asian – Take your burgers to the next level and try Asian inspired Pork burgers topped with kimchi.
Here are more great “World Burger” recipes from around the web.
Rick Bayless QUESO FUNDIDO BURGER
Tunisian Turkey Burgers with Chick Pea Mayonnaise
Spicy Indian Burgers

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