Building slabs of muscle isn’t seasonal. You’ve got to lift big and eat big to make it happen. Luckily for you, winter is also synonymous with comfort food, and what says comfort more than the burger? The recipes we’ve fired up show a daring disregard for the conventional. Each of these burgers is packed with enough protein and nutrients to fill up your belly while helping you fill out your frame.
Find The Meats
We realize some of these meats, like elk, can’t exactly be found in your backyard (well, in most cases). So if you’re not game to shoot your own dinner, Mark Fuller, chef and co-owner of Seattle’s Ma’ono, gave us some sites where you can order the meat you need.
- D’artagnan: dartagnan.com
- Broken Arrow Ranch: brokenarrowranch.com
- Marx Foods: marxfoods.com
- Fossil Farms: fossilfarms.com
Know The Meats
Not all meat is created equal. Check out the macronutrient values for all the meats used in these recipes (plus a few others so you can consider substitutions). All info is for 4-oz servings.
Bison: Calories: 164, Protein: 24g, Fat: 4g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Chicken: Calories: 160, Protein: 20g, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Elk: Calories: 192, Protein: 24g, Fat: 2g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Lamb: Calories: 320, Protein: 19g, Fat: 26g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Lean Beef: Calories: 153, Protein: 24g, Fat: 4g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Ostrich: Calories: 184, Protein: 24g, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Turkey: Calories: 170, Protein: 20g, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Venison: Calories: 176, Protein: 24g, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
Veal: Calories: 163, Protein: 22g, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 0g, Fiber: 0g
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6 Muscle-Building Burger Recipes </p>
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<p class="slide-count desktop-hidden">1 of 6</p><img width="1109" height="614" src="/uploadfile/2024/1214/20241214140431760.jpg"><p class="photo-credit">Sam Kaplan</p>Bison Burger
Chef Roger Mooking Twist(Toronto)Serves: 4 Ingredients: 11⁄2 lbs ground bison1 tsp ground cumin Ground black peppercorns, to taste4 hamburger buns Kosher salt, to taste1⁄2 cup crumbled smoked cheddar>>Herb Purée1⁄2 cup green onion 1⁄2 cup fresh basil 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro 2 garlic cloves1⁄4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1⁄4 tsp ground black peppercorns 1 avocado, cut into slices and seasoned with salt and pepperKosher salt, to tasteGround black peppercorns, to tasteDirections:1. Preheat a large oven-safe skillet under medium heat in your oven’s broiler.2. In a bowl, add ground bison, cumin, and ground pepper- corns and combine well by hand. Form 4 equal-size patties and set aside.3. Add all herb-purée ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth. Spread evenly on the insides of buns.4. Season with salt and place as many patties as will fit comfortably in skillet. Allow to brown on one side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, and flip. Add cheddar and place in oven under broiler. Cook to desired doneness.5. Assemble burger as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 709Protein: 40g Fat: 46gCrabs: 14g Fiber: 14g
Sam Kaplan
Turkey Burger
Chef David Myers, Adrift (Singapore)Serves: 2Ingredients: 2 brioche buns8 oz lean ground turkey Salt and pepper, to taste 2–3 oz triple-crème Brie1⁄4 cup baby spinach2 slices beefsteak tomato>>Curry Aioli1⁄2 tsp madras curry powder1 cup mayo1 tsp jarred roasted garlicLemon juice, salt, and pepper, to tasteDirections:1. Combine all ingredients for aioli. Brush on buns.2. Form turkey into patties; add salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through (5 minutes per side).3. Melt Brie on burgers. Assemble as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821Protein: 32gFat: 59gCarbs: 42gFiber: 2g
Sam Kaplan
Salmon Bacon Burger
Chef Robert Irvine, Host Of CW’s The Robert Irvine ShowServes: 2Ingredients: 11⁄2 lbs fresh salmon fillet, finely diced1 tsp sriracha sauce1 tsp seafood seasoning 2 eggs, well mixed or whisked 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs2 tbsp grape-seed oil1 lemon1 cup shredded romaine lettuce1⁄4 cup rémoulade sauce 4 5-inch buns4 slices ripe tomato8 slices baconFrench fries as sideDirections: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon, sriracha sauce, seasoning, and eggs; add small amount of breadcrumbs if needed. Portion into 4 even, flat cakes.2. Preheat a griddle to 300°F, add oil, allow it to warm, then dust exterior of cakes with breadcrumbs and place in oil. Cook on one side, allowing to brown for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and repeat on second side. Drizzle with lemon.3. In a bowl, mix together lettuce and rémoulade sauce. Toast buns. Once cakes are golden brown, assemble as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 746Protein: 49gFat: 44gCarbs: 35gFiber: 2g
Sam Kaplan / M+F Magazine
Spicy Flatbread Lambburger
Chef Mark Fuller, Ma’ono (Seattle)Serves: 4Ingredients:1 lb lamb shoulder, freshly ground 4 6-inch skewersOlive oilKosher salt4 Greek pita-bread flats4 tbsp hummus4 tbsp harissa or sambal oelek>>Feta Spread1/3 cup goat’s-milk yogurt1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 1⁄4 cup peppadewPickled peppers, chopped1⁄4 tbsp chopped garlic 1⁄2 tbsp kosher salt1/2 tbsp ground black pepper 1 tbsp lemon juice>>Seasoning1⁄2 tsp ground cumin 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt >>Vegetable + Pickle Salad1 cup lettuce, julienned thin1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 30 mint leaves1⁄2 cup dill pickle, thinly sliced1 tsp olive oil1 tsp lemon juiceDirections:1. Preheat the grill. Divide ground lamb into 8 equal parts. Roll each portion into an oblong meatball. Pat down each ball slightly to flatten. Skewer mini lamb patties, lightly oil, and season liberally with kosher salt. Grill for 3 minutes, then flip. Continue to grill for 2 more minutes, then remove from grill and rest for 3 to 5 minutes.2. Combine feta-spread ingredients and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until served. 3. Combine seasoning ingredients. Firmly rub together with your fingers. 4. While lamb is resting, grill pita to heat through and toss salad.5. Spread hummus and harissa on pita. Assemble as pictured, spooning on feta, seasoning, and salad, and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821Protein: 32gFat: 59gCarbs: 42gFiber: 2g
Sam Kaplan
Patty-Melt Madame
Chef John Fraser, Dovetail (New York)Serves: 4Ingredients: 2 lbs ground veal3⁄4 lb ground beef2 eggs4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp garlic powder1 tbsp onion powderSalt and white pepper, to taste Tabasco, to taste4 slices brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick pieces1 Spanish onion, sliced and caramelized3 plum tomatoes, blanched, deseeded, cut into quarters, and cooked on a rack at 300°F till dry2 tsp chopped parsley4 slices provolone cheese>>Sauce1 cup Dijon mustard2 tbsp whole-grain mustard 1⁄4 cup blended oil2 tbsp honey3 tbsp red-wine vinegar Salt, to tasteDirections: 1. Mix meats with 1 egg, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic and onion powders; form patties with hands. Add salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Chill patties in the fridge.2. Mix sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and chill.3. Mix bread and sauce in a warm sauté pan. Add onion, tomatoes, and parsley.4. Sear patties on high heat till medium rare and top with provolone and a sunny-side-up egg.5. Place patties on top of warm bread and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 1,055Protein: 89gFat: 46gCarbs: 68gFiber: 5g
Sam Kaplan
Elk Burger
Chef Roger MookingServes: 4Ingredients: 11⁄2 lbs ground elkKosher salt and black pepper, to taste3⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1⁄2 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced1 serrano chili, thinly sliced 4 hamburger buns >>Caramelized Onions 1 tbsp vegetable oil1 large onion, sliced1 tsp kosher saltDirections: 1. Preheat broiler setting in your oven to medium and insert a large oven- safe pan.2. Form elk into 4 equal-size patties. Season with salt and pepper, then place as many patties as will fit comfortably in pan. Allow to brown on one side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, then flip. Add feta. Cook to desired doneness. 3. For onions, set a skillet to medium-low heat on the stove while burgers cook. Add oil, then onion, followed by salt. Toss together and allow to cook slowly for 45 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Once browned and softened, remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and set aside.4. Assemble burgers as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821Protein: 32gFat: 59gCarbs: 42Fiber: 2g
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<h3 class="gallery-item__caption-title">Bison Burger</h3><p class="p1" style="text-align: right">Chef Roger Mooking Twist(Toronto)</p>Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 11⁄2 lbs ground bison
- 1 tsp ground cumin Ground black peppercorns, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns Kosher salt, to taste
- 1⁄2 cup crumbled smoked cheddar
>>Herb Purée
- 1⁄2 cup green onion
- 1⁄2 cup fresh basil
- 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1⁄4 tsp ground black peppercorns
- 1 avocado, cut into slices and seasoned with salt and pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black peppercorns, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat a large oven-safe skillet under medium heat in your oven’s broiler.
2. In a bowl, add ground bison, cumin, and ground pepper- corns and combine well by hand. Form 4 equal-size patties and set aside.
3. Add all herb-purée ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth. Spread evenly on the insides of buns.
4. Season with salt and place as many patties as will fit comfortably in skillet. Allow to brown on one side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, and flip. Add cheddar and place in oven under broiler. Cook to desired doneness.
5. Assemble burger as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 709
Protein: 40g
Fat: 46g
Crabs: 14g
Fiber: 14g
Turkey Burger
Chef David Myers, Adrift (Singapore)
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 brioche buns
- 8 oz lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 oz triple-crème Brie
- 1⁄4 cup baby spinach
- 2 slices beefsteak tomato
>>Curry Aioli
- 1⁄2 tsp madras curry powder
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tsp jarred roasted garlic
- Lemon juice, salt, and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients for aioli. Brush on buns.
2. Form turkey into patties; add salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through (5 minutes per side).
3. Melt Brie on burgers. Assemble as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821
Protein: 32g
Fat: 59g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Salmon Bacon Burger
Chef Robert Irvine, Host Of CW’s The Robert Irvine Show
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 11⁄2 lbs fresh salmon fillet, finely diced
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp seafood seasoning
- 2 eggs, well mixed or whisked
- 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grape-seed oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1⁄4 cup rémoulade sauce
- 4 5-inch buns
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- 8 slices bacon
- French fries as side
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon, sriracha sauce, seasoning, and eggs; add small amount of breadcrumbs if needed. Portion into 4 even, flat cakes.
2. Preheat a griddle to 300°F, add oil, allow it to warm, then dust exterior of cakes with breadcrumbs and place in oil. Cook on one side, allowing to brown for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and repeat on second side. Drizzle with lemon.
3. In a bowl, mix together lettuce and rémoulade sauce. Toast buns. Once cakes are golden brown, assemble as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 746
Protein: 49g
Fat: 44g
Carbs: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Spicy Flatbread Lambburger
Chef Mark Fuller, Ma’ono (Seattle)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb shoulder, freshly ground
- 4 6-inch skewers
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 4 Greek pita-bread flats
- 4 tbsp hummus
- 4 tbsp harissa or sambal oelek
>>Feta Spread
- 1/3 cup goat’s-milk yogurt
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup peppadew
- Pickled peppers, chopped
- 1⁄4 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1⁄2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
>>Seasoning
- 1⁄2 tsp ground cumin
- 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
>>Vegetable + Pickle Salad
- 1 cup lettuce, julienned thin
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 30 mint leaves
- 1⁄2 cup dill pickle, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. Preheat the grill. Divide ground lamb into 8 equal parts. Roll each portion into an oblong meatball. Pat down each ball slightly to flatten. Skewer mini lamb
patties, lightly oil, and season liberally with kosher salt. Grill for 3 minutes, then flip. Continue to grill for 2 more minutes, then remove from grill and rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Combine feta-spread ingredients and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until served.
3. Combine seasoning ingredients. Firmly rub together with your fingers.
4. While lamb is resting, grill pita to heat through and toss salad.
5. Spread hummus and harissa on pita. Assemble as pictured, spooning on feta, seasoning, and salad, and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821
Protein: 32g
Fat: 59g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Patty-Melt Madame
Chef John Fraser, Dovetail (New York)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground veal
- 3⁄4 lb ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and white pepper, to taste Tabasco, to taste
- 4 slices brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick pieces
- 1 Spanish onion, sliced and caramelized
- 3 plum tomatoes, blanched, deseeded, cut into quarters, and cooked on a rack at 300°F till dry
- 2 tsp chopped parsley
- 4 slices provolone cheese
>>Sauce
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 1⁄4 cup blended oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp red-wine vinegar Salt, to taste
Directions:
1. Mix meats with 1 egg, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic and onion powders; form patties with hands. Add salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Chill patties in the fridge.
2. Mix sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and chill.
3. Mix bread and sauce in a warm sauté pan. Add onion, tomatoes, and parsley.
4. Sear patties on high heat till medium rare and top with provolone and a sunny-side-up egg.
5. Place patties on top of warm bread and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 1,055
Protein: 89g
Fat: 46g
Carbs: 68g
Fiber: 5g
Elk Burger
Chef Roger Mooking
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 11⁄2 lbs ground elk
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1⁄2 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 serrano chili, thinly sliced
- 4 hamburger buns
>>Caramelized Onions
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Directions:
1. Preheat broiler setting in your oven to medium and insert a large oven- safe pan.
2. Form elk into 4 equal-size patties. Season with salt and pepper, then place as many patties as will fit comfortably in pan. Allow to brown on one side, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, then flip. Add feta. Cook to desired doneness.
3. For onions, set a skillet to medium-low heat on the stove while burgers cook. Add oil, then onion, followed by salt. Toss together and allow to cook slowly for 45 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Once browned and softened, remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and set aside.
4. Assemble burgers as pictured and serve.
The Macros:
Calories: 821
Protein: 32g
Fat: 59g
Carbs: 42
Fiber: 2g
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