Sweet Heat BBQ Jerk Burgers on the Grill

Category Burgers
Author: Sammy D

A great burger does not need a cupboard full of condiments. It needs one sauce that brings sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once. That is exactly what Sammy D's does, which makes it a natural on a burger. Here is how to build a bold, juicy BBQ jerk burger, using the sauce two ways: mixed into the meat, and brushed on at the grill.

Why Sammy D's belongs on a burger

Burgers are one of the sauce's flagship pairings for a reason. The sweet barbecue base caramelizes on the patty, and the scotch bonnet kick cuts through all that rich beef. Best of all, the sauce is the seasoning and the condiment in one, so you can skip the extra spices and the mayo. Pour it on and you are done.

Sweet Heat BBQ Jerk Burgers on the Grill

Ingredients

  • Ground beef (a little fat keeps them juicy)
  • Sammy D's BBQ jerk sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • Burger buns
  • Optional: cheese, and toppings like slaw, red onion, or pickles

No secret spice blend required. The sauce carries the flavour.

Directions

  1. Mix and form: Add a spoonful of Sammy D's to your ground beef along with a little salt and pepper, then mix gently so the sauce runs all the way through. Do not overwork it. Form loose patties, pressing a small dimple into the centre of each so they cook flat instead of puffing up.
  2. Grill and glaze: Get the grill to a solid medium high heat. Lay the patties down and let them build a good crust before you flip. After the flip, brush on a coat of Sammy D's so it caramelizes into a sticky glaze. If you are adding cheese, do it now and close the lid to melt it.
  3. Build and serve: Toast the buns, add a final swipe of sauce, then stack your patty with the toppings you love. The sauce is already doing the work, so keep it simple and let the sweet heat shine.

Tips for the best jerk burgers

Keep the patties cold until they hit the grill so they hold together. Do not press them down while cooking, since that squeezes out the juices. And save a little clean sauce for the bun, because that last swipe is where the flavour really lands.

What to serve with BBQ jerk burgers

Crispy fries or wedges, a crunchy slaw, grilled corn, or a simple green salad all round out the plate. Set out extra Sammy D's as a dip for the fries while you are at it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix BBQ jerk sauce into the ground beef?

Do I need other seasonings for jerk burgers?

What toppings go with a BBQ jerk burger?