Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger)

islak_hamburger_(wet_burger)

Turkish cuisine is a treasure trove of stimulating and invigorating flavors, and one of the trademark dishes that epitomizes the feast-like culinary fare of Turkey is the famous Istanbul Islak Hamburger, translated as “wet hamburger.” This appetizing hamburger is a hallmark of Turkey, and it has garnered international renown as one of the country’s most cherished savories. This succulent hamburger recipe emerged during the early 1940s, and it has become so popular that it has found its way into the hearts of anyone who has ever tasted it or read about it.

The secret behind the unique flavor of the Islak hamburger is the tangy and chewy texture of the meat patty, which is complemented by soft, steamed buns that are soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce. The dish is known as “wet” hamburger because the buns are thoroughly soaked in the tomato sauce, making them delectably moist and dripping with flavor. It is a fast food treat that is widely enjoyed by all Turks, and enthusiasts of international cuisine worldwide.

Ingredients

To prepare this savory hamburger treat, you need to have the following ingredients ready:

For the Patties:

  • 500g ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 cups of hot water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Hamburger Buns:

  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Slice the hamburger buns in half, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle black sesame seeds over them. Set the buns aside.

  2. For the patties, in a mixing bowl, add the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onions, tomato paste, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Knead the mixture well until it becomes a smooth paste.

  3. Take a small amount of the mixture, and shape it into round and slightly flattened patties. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.

  4. Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat, and place the patties on it. Cook the patties until they are golden brown and crispy, and the juices flow clear. Set aside.

  5. For the sauce, heat a saucepan on medium heat, and melt the butter in it. Add the flour, garlic, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, and stir until the paste turns golden brown.

  6. Pour hot water into the paste and whisk until the mixture thickens. Set aside.

  7. Take a large baking dish and pour half of the tomato sauce in it. Place the hamburger buns on the sauce, and then top them with the cooked meat patties. Pour the remaining sauce over the hamburger buns.

  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the buns have soaked up the sauce.

  9. When the Istanbul Wet Hamburger is ready, remove it from the oven, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Every bite of the Istanbul Islak Hamburger is an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. This tasty meal is easy to make but requires some patience for the buns to soak up the sauce. This recipe is an authentic method for making the delectable Istanbul Wet Hamburger with flavorful beef patties, tomato sauce, and a sesame seed bun. Give this popular Turkish street food delicacy a try, and savor the unique taste that tickles the taste buds of Turks and non-Turks alike.

Ingredients:

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 large lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices Turkish cheese
  • Pickles, to serve

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

  2. Divide the meat mixture into four equal parts and shape them into flat patties.

  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until browned and fully cooked.

  4. While the patties are cooking, prepare the wet sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the tomato paste, water, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally until fully combined.

  5. To assemble the wet burger, place each cooked patty onto the bottom half of a hamburger bun. Spoon the wet sauce over each patty, making sure to coat it fully.

  6. Place a slice of Turkish cheese over the wet sauce and top with a lettuce leaf.

  7. Cover with the top half of the hamburger bun and serve immediately with pickles on the side.

Enjoy your Turkish Islak Hamburger!