As a true Michigander, I’ve got a soft spot for the delectable olive burger, a local legend believed to have sprung up in Flint, Michigan, sometime in the mid-1900s. It’s a culinary craze that took off faster than a car out of Detroit (Ok, maybe not that fast) It features a juicy beef patty, slathered in velvety mayo, and topped with a generous heap of olives. This twist on the classic burger has won over the taste buds of the North and has become a beloved staple.
Ingredients That Make It Stand Out
Let’s explore what sets the olive burger apart from a traditional burger. Generally, the olive burger has all the key elements of a classic burger: a juicy beef patty, fresh lettuce, plump tomatoes, and a soft, toasted bun. Yet, the inclusion of olives elevates this dish to a yummy delight.
Ground Beef: The juicy beef patty is seasoned with garlic powder, Lawyer’s seasoned salt, and ground black pepper. Once the patties are formed they are cooked to perfection on a stovetop or grill, providing a rich and meaty flavor. I recommend using an 80/20 blend to give you a nice juicy burger.
Sliced Olives and Creamy Mayo: Sliced green olives, a defining feature of the olive burger, impart a tangy and slightly salty taste. However, my recipe differs from the original. The traditional olive burger uses a creamy olive mayo spread by mixing the mayonnaise and olives together. Instead, I prefer to add my mayonnaise and olives separately, giving you more control over the taste.
Toasted Bun: Toasting the bun in a pan with butter not only provides a sturdy base for the burger but also contributes a warm, slightly crispy texture, and a subtle buttery flavor.
Selecting the Perfect Olives for Your Olive Burger
Green Olives:
Green olives are a traditional favorite for olive burgers, valued for their zesty taste and solid texture. Seek out premium green olives that are robust and full, boasting a lively green hue. For an authentic olive burger, choose pimento-stuffed green olives. The sweet and mildly spicy pimento contributes an additional dimension of taste that complements the burger’s savory profile perfectly.
Kalamata Olives:
For a more robust flavor, consider incorporating Kalamata olives. These olives are prized for their rich, fruity taste and substantial texture. Look for Kalamata olives with deep purple color and a wrinkled surface for a strong flavor.To further intensify the taste, marinate then in olive oil, garlic,and herbs before adding them to your dish.
Mixed Olives:
If you’re torn between green olives and kalamata olives, consider combining them!
Adding in a variety of olives can take your olive burger to the next level. You can find pre-mixed selections of olives at your nearby grocery store or a specialty food shop, Additionally, you can mix and match your preferred types to craft your own unique blend.
The Role of Olives
Step 1:Â
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s begin crafting our culinary creation. Begin by lightly toasting the burger buns in a pan using a bit of butter, until they achieve a golden brown crispness. Then, generously apply a layer of olive-infused mayo on the top bun.
Step Two:
Next, layer the lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you crave on the burger. The crowning glory is a generous heap of sliced olives, towering over the patty. To finish, add the top bun and ready yourself for a great taste experience with each bite.
In conclusion, I hope you’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the humble olive burger. Whether you’re a seasoned olive burger enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you can’t deny the irresistible allure of this savory delight.
The next time you’re craving a burger with a twist, give the olive burger a try. Its robust flavors and limitless options for personalization make it a standout in any burger lineup. Here’s to savoring every bite and enjoying the simple joys of good food. Happy eating!
The Perfect Olive Burger: Quick and Easy
Experience the savory delight of an Olive Burger. A Michigan classic featuring a juicy beef patty topped with tangy sliced olives and creamy mayo, and cheese all nestled between a butter-toasted bun for a flavor-packed bite
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a medium-size bowl combine the raw hamburger, Lawry's seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Divide the burger into 6 equal portions (4 oz.) for 1/4 lb patties or 3 equal portions (8 oz.) for 1/2 lb patties.
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Gently form each portion into a patty, being careful not to overwork the meat. Make sure the patties are slightly larger in diameter than your buns, as they will shrink while cooking. Cover burgers and set aside.
I like to sandwich the burger between 2 pieces of parchment paper and press down with the palm of my hand. -
Preheat your skillet over low heat and add your butter until it is melted. Place the burger buns face-side down to lightly brown. Do not walk away from buns, check them often so they do not burn. Once browned remove from pan and set aside.
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Increase the heat to medium-high heat and place the patties onto the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your preference for doneness. In the last couple minutes of your cooking time place 1- 2 slices of cheese on each patty and cover pan until the cheese is melted. When done place the burger on the bottom portion of the bun.
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If you prefer to use a different type of cheese. I have made them with cheddar, swiss, or pepperjack cheese. Everyone tasted great!!
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Assemble the Burger. Place your preferred amount of mayonnaise on the top half of the bun. Place your desired amount of olives on top of the mayonnaise and lightly push into the mayonnaise, put the burger together. Serve your freshly made burgers immediately while they are still hot.
