If you're looking for a burger that's big on taste but not so much on health, the Memphis Burger might just be what you need. With a whopping 1760 calories per burger, it's not for the faint-hearted. But for those who can handle it, this burger is a treat for the taste buds.
The Memphis Burger is made with a juicy beef patty, topped with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, and pickles. It's then slathered with a tangy BBQ sauce and served on a toasted bun. With all these ingredients, it's no surprise that the burger packs a punch when it comes to calories and flavor.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Memphis Burger – from its nutritional information to health risks, tips for consuming, alternatives, history, celebrity fans, recipes, and even challenges.
Burger Description
As mentioned earlier, the Memphis Burger is a hefty burger that's packed full of flavor. The beef patty is juicy and tender, while the crispy bacon and gooey cheese add a nice crunch and creaminess. The BBQ sauce ties everything together and gives it that distinct Memphis flavor. The burger is typically served with a side of fries or onion rings, but you can also add other toppings like jalapenos or avocado if you want to mix things up. Overall, it's a burger that's sure to satisfy your cravings – if you can handle the calorie count, that is.
One Memphis Burger contains a whopping 1760 calories, which is almost an entire day's worth of calories for the average adult. It also has 51 grams of saturated fat and 3700 milligrams of sodium – both of which are way over the recommended daily intake. If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, it's best to avoid this burger altogether. However, if you really want to indulge, it's best to share it with someone else or eat half and save the rest for later.
Health Risks
Due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, consuming the Memphis Burger on a regular basis can lead to health problems. It's been linked to obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure among other things. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it's best to avoid this burger altogether. And even if you're healthy, it's best to eat it in moderation and pair it with a healthy side like a salad or grilled vegetables.
Tips for Consuming
If you're going to indulge in the Memphis Burger, here are a few tips to make it a little bit healthier: share it with someone else, eat half and save the rest for later, choose a side that's not as calorie-dense like a salad or grilled vegetables, and drink water instead of sugary drinks. You can also try making your own version at home using lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and a sugar-free BBQ sauce. This will significantly lower the calorie count while still satisfying your cravings.
Memphis Burger Alternatives
If you want to enjoy the taste of Memphis without the hefty calorie count, there are a few alternatives you can try. Some restaurants offer a lighter version of the Memphis Burger made with turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also try a BBQ chicken sandwich, which still has that tangy BBQ flavor but with less calories and fat. Alternatively, you can make your own version at home using lean ground turkey or chicken, a whole grain bun, and a homemade BBQ sauce. This will significantly reduce the calorie count and still give you that delicious Memphis flavor.
The History of Memphis Burger
The Memphis Burger has its roots in the city of Memphis, Tennessee – hence the name. It's a popular dish in many BBQ restaurants in the area and often features on menus alongside other delicious southern dishes like ribs and pulled pork. The history of the Memphis Burger is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the 1950s when BBQ restaurants started to become popular in the area. Today, it's considered a classic southern dish and a must-try for anyone visiting Memphis.
Celebrity Memphis Burger Fans
The Memphis Burger has gained a cult following over the years, including some famous fans. Elvis Presley, who lived in Memphis for most of his life, was a big fan of the burger and often ordered it at local restaurants. Other celebrity fans include Justin Timberlake, Oprah Winfrey, and Morgan Freeman. Their love for the burger has only added to its popularity and made it a true icon of southern cuisine.
Memphis Burger Recipes
If you want to try making your own Memphis Burger at home, here's a simple recipe you can try: - 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 pickles
- BBQ sauce
- 4 burger buns 1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness.
4. While the patties are cooking, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
5. Add a slice of cheese to each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until melted.
6. Toast the burger buns on the grill.
7. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on the bottom bun, followed by bacon, lettuce, pickles, and a generous amount of BBQ sauce.
8. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Eating Memphis Burger Abroad
If you're outside of Memphis but still want to try the famous Memphis Burger, there are a few restaurants around the world that offer their take on it. Some restaurants in the UK, Australia, and even Japan have added a Memphis-style burger to their menus in recent years. If there's no Memphis-style burger available near you, you can always try making your own version at home using the recipe above.
Memphis Burger Challenges
For those who are feeling particularly brave (or foolish), there are a few challenges around the USA that involve eating a ridiculously large Memphis Burger within a certain time frame. One popular challenge is the 'Ultimate Memphis Burger Challenge' at the Kooky Canuck restaurant in Memphis, where you have to eat a 4-pound burger along with a pound of fries within an hour. These challenges are not for the faint-hearted and should only be attempted by those who are in good health and have consulted with a doctor beforehand.
Memphis is a city that really embraces its barbecue and the Memphis Burger is just one example of that. It's big, bold and delicious and really encapsulates the Memphis spirit.
FAQs about the Memphis Burger
1. What is the Memphis Burger?
The Memphis Burger is a type of burger that originated from the city of Memphis in Tennessee. It is a large burger that is often loaded with a variety of toppings and sauces.
2. How many calories does the Memphis Burger contain?
The Memphis Burger contains a whopping 1760 calories, making it a significant calorie bomb. It is not recommended as a regular part of a healthy diet.
3. What are some of the toppings and sauces typically found on a Memphis Burger?
Typical toppings and sauces on a Memphis Burger include bacon, cheese, onion rings, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise. Some variations may also include jalapenos, pickles, or coleslaw.
4. Can the Memphis Burger be modified to be healthier?
Yes, the Memphis Burger can be modified to be healthier by making some simple substitutions. For example, you can opt for a smaller patty or choose a whole wheat bun. You can also skip some of the high-calorie toppings and sauces.
5. Is the Memphis Burger a popular food item?
Yes, the Memphis Burger is a popular food item in many parts of the world. Many restaurants and fast food chains offer their own version of this burger, with some adding their own twist to the topping and sauce combination.