The Herb Michael Symon Says Belongs On Burgers, Despite The Hate - Tasting Table

Cilantro is presented as a polarizing but flavorful burger ingredient. Michael Symon recommends cilantro on burgers and addresses objections by suggesting people who dislike it should simply skip it. Cilantro can contribute a zippy, citrusy and peppery taste and can add color to an otherwise plain sandwich. It pairs well with many proteins and fits especially with Southwestern and Tex-Mex flavors. Cilantro can be used as a topping on beef patties, incorporated into fish-burger sauces, or blended into cilantro-lime sauce with yogurt, garlic, and citrus. It can also be used to make chimichurri for grilled burgers, potentially adjusted with other ingredients to balance intensity.

"“Just don't put it on yours if you don't like it ... problem solved.”"

"Cilantro can add so much to a burger, including a zippy flavor that's both citrusy and peppery. Depending on how you use it, it can also add a pop of color to an otherwise dull-looking sandwich. It plays well with others, especially ingredients under the Southwestern umbrella, making it a compelling and flavorful addition to Tex-Mex-inspired burgers and more. As long as you add it mindfully - or avoid it if you really can't stand the flavor - you should be all set."

"Cilantro is fresh, bright, and goes well with many different proteins. You can add a few leaves to top the beef patty in our quesadilla burger recipe. It's also an excellent pairing for fish-based patties, thanks to its citrusy undertones. Our tilapia burger recipe, for example, calls for a bright cilantro-lime sauce made with yogurt, garlic, citrus, and this tasty herb."

"You may also want to take inspiration from South American cuisine and create a fresh chimichurri sauce that's laced with cilantro for your burger. Chimichurri is often served with grilled steak, which is why it would be just as excellent drizzled atop a beef burger that has come straight off the grill. You can also match the versatile sauce with other ingredients to soften its bo"

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