Make Delicious Trini Burgers with This Simple Recipe

Have you ever tasted a Trini burger? If not, let me take you on a journey that’ll make you wonder how you’ve been living without this Caribbean delight. I love burgers and I’ve never been shy about saying that Trini street burgers are an absolute standout. The only problem? I had never actually made one from scratch before – until I found myself challenged by “Writing At The Kitchen Table”’s burger challenge. It was the perfect opportunity to represent my beloved Red, Black, and White!

But here’s the thing: though I’ve eaten enough Trini street burgers to know what they should taste like, creating them from scratch was a new venture for me. No problem, though – I’ve got the spirit of a Trini foodie, and I’ve certainly got enough experience to know what makes a burger truly special. And let me tell you – a Trini burger is not just a meal, it’s an experience!

Step 1: Get the Right Ingredients – The Key to Authentic Flavour

The first step to creating the perfect Trini burger is having the right ingredients. You’ll need quality beef, fresh garlic, chadon beni (culantro), scotch bonnet pepper sauce, and, of course, some trusty ketchup. These ingredients come together to create the most flavour-packed patty you’ve ever had.

Step 2: Puree the Flavour Makers

To create that iconic Trini burger flavour, start by puréeing your onion, garlic, culantro, pepper sauce, and vegetable oil. This mixture is the secret sauce to infuse your patty with bold, aromatic flavour. Garlic, in particular, plays a leading role, which is why you’ll find it in both the patty and, for some, in a garlic sauce topping.

Step 3: Mix with the Beef and Ketchup

Once your flavour purée is ready, combine it with the ground beef and ketchup. This is the part where the magic starts to happen. The purée adds an explosion of flavour while the ketchup contributes a tangy sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.

Step 4: Shape the Patties

Now comes the fun part – shaping the patties. You’ll want to form your beef mixture into four generous patties. Aim for a slightly thick burger so it doesn’t dry out when you cook it. This is where you can start to feel proud, knowing your Trini burger is about to come to life.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

For the cooking process, you can either grill or cook your patties in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Grill marks or a beautiful sear on the outside add a perfect touch to the burger. Aim for around 6-7 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. These burgers cook fast, so keep an eye on them!

Step 6: Prepare the Toppings – Coleslaw is a Must!

When you’re making a Trini-style burger, one thing you’ll notice is that coleslaw trumps the standard lettuce and tomato. Personally, I think the creamy crunch of coleslaw adds the perfect texture and balance to the bold garlic flavours. The coolness of the slaw helps soften the intensity of the garlic, creating a beautiful harmony in every bite.

Step 7: Assemble the Burger – A Beautiful Balance of Flavour

Now that your patties are cooked and the toppings are ready, it’s time to assemble your Trini burger. Place each patty in a fresh bun and top with a generous scoop of plain coleslaw. Drizzle with ketchup and a generous amount of garlic sauce to give it that unmistakable Trini flair.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Your Trini Burger Creation

Finally, your Trini burger is ready to serve! Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your creation before biting into that perfect combination of crunchy, garlicky, and juicy goodness. Each bite should make you feel like you’re enjoying a piece of Trinidad, no matter where you are.

Trini-style Hamburgers

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Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup culantro chadon beni
• 1/2 small onion
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon pepper sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Puree the onion, garlic, cilantro, pepper sauce and vegetable oil
• Combine with ketchup and beef
• Form into 4 patties
• Grill or cook in a saucepan (on medium-high) 6 to 7 minutes per side
• Assemble by placing burgers in buns, topping with plain coleslaw and drizzling with ketchup and garlic sauce

What Makes Trini Burgers Special?

When you think of a traditional burger, you might imagine a basic beef patty with a slice of cheese and perhaps some lettuce and tomato. But Trini burgers stand out because they infuse a distinct Caribbean twist. The garlic-infused patty, topped with cool coleslaw, is a game changer. Add the spicy pepper sauce and garlic sauce, and you’ve got something truly unique. It’s not just about the burger – it’s about the culture and the flavours that come together in perfect harmony.

Why You Need to Try Making Trini Burgers at Home

Making your own Trini-style burgers at home is not only satisfying, but it also gives you full control over the ingredients and flavours. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple to recreate yet packed with bold and unforgettable flavours. Plus, when you make these burgers yourself, you can tweak them to match your taste preferences – maybe a little extra garlic or more coleslaw, depending on what your heart desires.

A Personal Reflection: Why I Love Trini Burgers

As someone who grew up surrounded by rich, bold flavours, I’ve always had a soft spot for the foods of Trinidad and Tobago. Trini street burgers, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of that heady era of late teens into adulthood, hanging outside nightclubs with friends, the tantalising scent of garlic wafting from food stalls. Making these burgers myself has been a rewarding experience, not just for the flavours, but for the memories they’ve brought flooding back. I’ve learnt so much from this simple, yet powerful, recipe, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try as well.

Ready to Add Some Spice to Your Burger Game?

Now that you’ve got all the steps to make your very own Trini burger, I can promise you this: once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at burgers the same way again. The bold flavours of garlic, spicy pepper sauce, and creamy coleslaw will have you craving Trini burgers on a regular basis.

And, if you love this recipe, make sure to download my free ebook, “7 Sweet Trini Treats”. Inside, you’ll find even more delicious Trini-inspired recipes that will bring the flavours of the Caribbean to your kitchen. Don’t miss out – grab your copy today and start cooking!