Published: Dec 14, 2020 · Modified: Oct 12, 2023 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Kimchi Beef Burgers with Creamy Kimchi Sauce

Spicy, tangy, salty and complex, kimchi is a Korean condiment that has taken the culinary world by storm and just keeps growing in popularity. Try this Asian-inspired kimchi burger recipe for a delicious twist on basic barbecue boredom.

Kimchi burger with kimchi sauce on wooden background, with a sauce dish on the side.

Blended with kimchi, soy and sesame, this fusion hamburger brings unique flavors that are anything but simple. Ditch the ketchup and mustard and try something special with this kimchi beef burger recipe.

Made from a combination of vegetables, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, salt, and fish sauce, kimchi is a fermented Korean favorite that pairs excellently with strong protein flavors like beef and pork and adds spicy veggie bite.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patty:

ground beef
kimchi
soy sauce
black sesame seeds
salt and pepper

For the Creamy Kimchi Sauce:

mayo
kimchi juice - from the jar of kimchi
sesame oil
soy sauce

To Serve:

burger buns - lightly toasted
arugula leaves
small cucumber
tomato - beefsteak tomatoes work great for this recipe for their meaty texture and width that fits a burger well

Like sassy sauerkraut with an Asian flavor profile, kimchi most commonly uses cabbage for its tart vegetable base, but can also be made with carrots, radishes, cucumber or many deliciously crisp vegetables.

Thanks to its widespread popularity, it's easy to find in most grocery stores. You may even have a variety to choose from to find your favorite, but most kimchi is pickle-sour, garlicky, spicy and delicious.

The rich sesame oil and creamy mayonnaise in this recipe balance the tart kimchi for a perfect dressing. Arugula in place of lettuce adds a fresh, peppery taste that brings all the flavors into harmony.

Kimchi burger with kimchi sauce on wooden background, sauce dish and a jar of kimchi on the side.

How to Make it

Combine beef patty mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped kimchi, sesame seeds and soy sauce.
Shape. Shape into 4 patties. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
Fry. Heat a large non-stick frying pan to medium. Add 1 tablespoon canola oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, fry the patties for 3-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
Make sauce. Mix the sauce ingredients together.
Assemble and serve. Assemble the hamburger buns with the beef patties, vegetable toppings and kimchi sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Kimchi burger with kimchi sauce held up by a woman's hands.

Tips

To avoid a greasy or heavy burger, look for freshly ground beef that is lower in fat content.
Don't overwork the ground beef when forming the patties or they can become tough.
Always remember to toast your buns so that they do not become soggy.

Storage

Store the toppings, burger patties and buns separately. Toppings and burgers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days. The kimchi sauce can last longer covered in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Kimchi burger with kimchi sauce on wooden background with sauce dish and a jar of kimchi on the side.

If you've tried kimchi before, you know how great the pickled crunch goes with perfectly grilled beef. And if you've never tried kimchi before, what are you waiting for?

Did you enjoy this kimchi burger recipe? Let me know in the comments and please share!

📋Recipe

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Kimchi Beef Burgers with Creamy Kimchi Sauce