Craving for burger but want to cut down on meat? Try cooking Impossible Burgers, the vegetarian version of the famous fast-food staple! Impossible Burgers use plant-based ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of meat, making it a healthier and more sustainable alternative. Don’t let the name intimidate you – cooking Impossible Burgers is actually quite easy! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to create your own juicy and flavorful Impossible Burgers that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your values.

Cooking Impossible Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide | Eat Urban Garden — Cooking Impossible Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Rise of Impossible Burgers

Impossible Burgers have taken the world by storm and have risen to popularity as a plant-based alternative to traditional beef burgers. Invented by Patrick Brown, a biochemist, entrepreneur and CEO of Impossible Foods, the company’s mission is to make delicious burgers that would be better for the planet by using 0% cows. Brown’s creation has become incredibly popular because it’s not just vegetarian but also satisfying enough to sway meatlovers. People appreciate that they do not have to sacrifice the taste of a juicy burger to be more health or environmentally conscious.

The Impossible Burger’s History

The Impossible Burger was first launched in July 2016 in select restaurants in New York City. The startup spent years of extensive research to develop a burger that looks, cooks, sizzles, tastes and even bleeds like a traditional beef patty. The Impossible Burger has an ingredient list that is different from any other veggie burger. It is made up of four main components: plant-based ground beef, potato protein, coconut oil, and heme – a molecule that gives meat its juicy, red color and beefy taste.

With such a different ingredient list, many people wondered how the Impossible Burger could ever taste like the real thing, but the company has managed to deliver. The Impossible Foods team understands that if everyone on the planet were to switch to plant-based food, it would positively impact the environment. In fact, research shows that consuming an Impossible Burger emits 87% less greenhouse gases than a beef burger.

The Impossible Burger’s Popularity

Since its launch, the Impossible Burger has become widely popular and has been praised for its meat-like properties, flavor and juiciness. It has allowed vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians (people who reduce meat consumption) and meat-eaters to take a guilt-free bite of a delicious burger, minus the environmental and ethical dilemmas of traditional beef. As a testament to the Impossible Burger’s popularity, more than 20,000 restaurants in America have it on their menus today, including big chain restaurants such as Burger King, Hard Rock Cafe and White Castle.

The Impossible Burger’s unique taste and revolutionary concept have led to its massive success, as it is quickly becoming a staple for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The burger has even managed to convert hardcore meat-eaters into fans, highlighting its ability to deliver a truly satisfying burger experience. The Impossible Burger has created a new standard for plant-based diets, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice taste or texture to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Understanding Impossible Burger Ingredients

Impossible Burgers have gained widespread popularity as a meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians, but they’re also a popular choice for people looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing the taste of a juicy burger. The key ingredient that sets Impossible Burgers apart from traditional veggie burgers is heme, which gives it the meat-like texture and taste that people crave.

The Importance of Heme

Heme is a molecule that’s found in both plants and animals, but it’s most commonly associated with red meat. It’s responsible for the red color of meat and the distinctive flavor that meat lovers crave. Impossible Foods, the company behind Impossible Burgers, has found a way to extract heme from soy plants and use it to create a plant-based burger that’s almost indistinguishable from meat.

But heme isn’t just important for its meat-like taste and texture. It also has some important nutritional benefits. Heme is a good source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially for vegetarians and vegans who don’t get enough iron from meat sources. By incorporating heme into their burgers, Impossible Foods has created a plant-based burger that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

Each Impossible Burger contains 14 grams of total fat, which consists of:

8 grams of saturated fat
0 grams of trans fat
3 grams of mono-unsaturated fat
3 grams of poly-unsaturated fat

Each Impossible Burger also contains 19 grams of protein, which is about the same as a traditional beef burger.

Preparing the Perfect Patty

While making a proper Impossible Burger patty is easy, it’s quite a challenge to make it perfect without the right techniques. With that said, here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Impossible Burger patty.

Shaping the Patty

Shaping the Impossible Burger patty is a crucial part of making it perfect. You don’t want to overwork the patty while shaping it because it can cause it to become dense and tough. Here’s what you should do:

Portion the meat into the right size: The most common size for an Impossible Burger patty is around 4 ounces, but if you want to create something larger, feel free to adjust the size of the patty to what you prefer.
Use your hands: The best way to shape the patty is by using your hands. Place the portioned meat into the palm of your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to gently press the meat together while shaping it into a ball.
Flatten it out: After you’ve shaped the meat ball, gently press down on it with your palm to flatten it out into a patty around 4 inches in diameter. Avoid pressing too hard as this can cause the meat to become too dense which results in a tough and chewy patty.

Seasoning the Patty

After shaping the Impossible Burger patty, you need to season it properly. Remember, the seasoning you use enhances the flavor of the meat and complements the dish you’re preparing.

Use kosher salt: Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt evenly over both sides of the patty. This helps to enhance the meat flavor and also helps the burger to caramelize while cooking.
Spice it up: If you want to add additional flavors to the Impossible Burger, you can add some black pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder to the seasoning mix to give it a more savory taste.

With these shaping and seasoning tips, you should be able to make the perfect Impossible Burger patty in no time!

Cooking on the Stovetop

If you’re in the mood for a tasty, juicy burger, but want to skip the meat, the Impossible Burger offers a delicious alternative. With its plant-based ingredients, it’s more eco-friendly and ethical than traditional meat burgers. Here are some steps to ensure that your Impossible Burger is cooked to perfection when using the stovetop cooking method.

Preparation

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to give the burger adequate time to thaw fully. If you are cooking a frozen Impossible Burger, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can defrost it more quickly by using a microwave or placing it in a bowl of water. Preheat the skillet or griddle on medium-high heat while the burger is thawing.

Cooking

Once the Impossible Burger is fully thawed, rub a small amount of oil on the skillet or griddle to prevent sticking. Place the burger on the skillet or griddle, and let it cook for about three minutes. As it cooks, use a spatula to press down on the burger gently. This process helps to sear the burger, creating a flavorful crust. Flip the burger and cook for an additional three minutes, then add desired toppings and cook the burger for one more minute.

Determining Level of Doneness

When cooking a traditional burger, you would use the internal temperature to determine if it’s cooked to the desired level. However, the Impossible Burger doesn’t contain animal products, so the internal temperature won’t change as if you were cooking a meat-based burger. Instead, you’ll need to rely on visual cues to check for doneness. The Impossible Burger will go from a red to brown color as it cooks, so the best way to check for desired done-ness is by observing the color. Cook for less time and keep the center pink if you prefer a rare burger, or cook for longer to achieve a well-done burger.

Grilling for Maximum Flavor

Grilling is an excellent way to cook Impossible Burgers for maximum flavor. Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ or just want to enjoy a juicy, charred burger, we’ve got you covered with these step-by-step instructions and tips.

Preparation

Before grilling, make sure your Impossible Burgers are fully thawed. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for a few seconds. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375Â°F.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for Impossible Burgers on the grill is around 2-3 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160Â°F. Avoid overcooking as this can result in a dry burger.

Grilling Methods

Direct Heat: Place your Impossible Burgers directly on the grill grates, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
Indirect Heat: For a more gentle cooking method, place your burger on the cooler side of the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness.
Cedar Plank: Soak a cedar plank in water for at least an hour, then place your Impossible Burgers on the plank and grill until done. This method imparts a smoky flavor into the burger.
Foil Packet: Create a foil packet and place your Impossible Burger in the center, seasoning with your favorite seasoning and veggies. Seal the foil packet and cook for 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat for a juicy and flavorful burger.
Grill Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Preheat the grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the Impossible Burger for 2-3 minutes per side or until done.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Impossible Burgers are a versatile and delicious plant-based alternative to traditional meat burgers. Here are some creative ideas for serving and pairing Impossible Burgers for a perfect meal:

Bun and Topping Options

One of the best things about burgers is the endless topping options. Here are some delicious ways to dress up your Impossible Burgers:

Classic toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onion are always a safe bet.
For a Mexican twist, try adding salsa, guacamole, and jalapenos.
For a BBQ-inspired burger, add onion rings, BBQ sauce, and cheddar cheese.
For an Italian flavor, add mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

Side Dishes

Pair your Impossible Burgers with some tasty side dishes to complete the meal:

French fries or sweet potato fries are a classic burger side dish.
For a healthier option, serve your burger with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
For a fun alternative, try making homemade onion rings or potato wedges.

Drink Recommendations

The right drink can take your burger meal to the next level. Here are some drink ideas to try:

Beverage	Pairing Suggestion
Beer	A classic pairing with burgers, try a hoppy IPA or a refreshing pilsner.
Wine	A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc.
Iced Tea	Refreshing and perfect for a summer burger meal.

Remember, there are no wrong ways to serve and pair your Impossible Burgers. Get creative and have fun with your meal!

Thanks for Reading!

We hope you enjoyed reading our step-by-step guide on cooking Impossible Burgers. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create delicious burgers that are perfect for weekday dinners or weekend grilling with friends. Remember to always preheat your cooking surface and follow the suggested cooking times for the best results. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave us a comment below. And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more cooking tips and recipes!