When’s the last time you made a burger at home that was better than takeout?

Whether you're craving a juicy smash burger, need a foolproof turkey patty, or want a plant-based option that actually tastes good, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking great burgers only come from restaurants. But burger night at home can be quick, easy, and way more customizable than you might think — especially when you’ve got pro tips from two former personal chefs.

By the end of this episode you’ll:

1. Master the art of deeply savory, crisp edged burgers, from the of smash burgers to the secret to juicy turkey patties. No grill required!
2. Discover unexpected flavor upgrades—like mustard-brushed patties, kimchi toppings, and a 5-star recipe for an entirely vegan option
3. Learn how to build a low-stress, high-impact burger bar with topping must-haves and sides that make even a weeknight dinner feel like a party (without the stress).

Press play for your next easy, healthy dinner that is stacked, sauced, and sizzling with flavor! 

***

This episode is sponsored by Spicytude: premium Indian spice kits and flavorful recipes!

Spicytude makes Indian cooking easy with all-in-one spice kits. They source and blend the finest spices in perfect proportions, providing you with recipe cards and video instructions to guide you through the cooking process. Say goodbye to half-used spice jars turning to dust at the back of your pantry, and say hello to the era of precise and flavorful culinary experiences!

***

Links:

Homemade smash burger by Kenji Lopez Alt for Serious Eats

Bacon and kimchi burgers by Wesley Genovart from Food & Wine

A classic turkey burger recipe; add finely diced peppers, or shredded zucchini, chipotle pepper, sliced  scallions, or herbs to modify it to your liking. Worcesteshire is a great addition too.

Sonya’s turkey kotleti (small turkey patties) 

Mark Bittman’s salmon burger from NYT Cooking made with fresh salmon (unlocked)

Ina Garten’s salmon cakes made with leftover salmon

Homemade tartar sauce and Kenji’s shake shack sauce from Serious Eats

Double Drive-Thru veggie burgers by Chloe Cascarelli for Food & Wine, with Thousand Island sauce made with tofu

Portobello smash burger by Ali Slagle for NYT Cooking (unlocked)

Stellar quinoa burger from Cafe Pascual’s in Santa Fe, NM, published by Bon Appetit at the request of a reader

Homemade Jojo potatoes from A Mindfull Mom

Nancy Silverton’s deep-dive on burger parties for the LA Times

***

Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084

For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here. You can also now find us on YouTube. 

We love hearing from you — follow us on Instagram @foodfriendspod, or drop us a line at [email protected]!

Order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!