Name: Islak Burger Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 3 garlic cloves; 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) tomato passata (tomato paste); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 400 grams (14 ounces) minced (ground) beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 round hamburger buns, split in half through the middle and lightly buttered

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Introduction

Islak Burger, also known as the “wet burger,” is a delicious Turkish street food famous for its juicy patties soaked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This unique burger is perfect for anyone looking to try a new take on a classic favorite.

A round silver pan rested on a woven mat over a white marbled surface holds a thick layer of bright red tomato sauce spread evenly at the bottom. On top of the sauce are four soft, light brown bread slices arranged in a circle, with two darker brown, well-seared burger patties partially dipped in the sauce sitting in front of the bread at the bottom of the pan. The texture of the bread is smooth with a few small spots, while the patties show a crispy crust with visible seasoning. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves
150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) tomato passata (tomato paste)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
400 grams (14 ounces) minced (ground) beef (freshly ground if possible)
4 round hamburger buns (split in half through the middle and lightly buttered)

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the garlic with a little salt using a mortar and pestle. In a large bowl, mix the tomato passata, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the crushed garlic. Season with freshly ground black pepper and set aside.
Step 2: Divide the minced beef into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
Step 3: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the patties on both sides for about 1 minute each.
Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce over the patties, reduce the heat to very low, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
Step 5: Push the patties to one side of the frying pan and place the bun halves face down in the tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes so the buns soak up the sauce.
Step 6: To serve, sandwich each patty between two pieces of the soaked buns and enjoy your wet burger.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the tomato sauce before cooking.
Use fresh, high-quality minced beef for the best texture and juiciness.
Try adding thinly sliced pickles or onions inside the burger for added crunch and tang.

Storage

Islak Burgers are best enjoyed fresh to experience their unique texture and flavor. If needed, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties gently in a pan with some sauce to keep them moist before assembling.

How to Serve

Two meatball sandwiches sit in a wooden tray on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a soft, round, golden-brown bun slightly toasted on top. Inside the bun, there is a thick layer of red tomato sauce spread on both the top and bottom halves. Between the buns, a large, brown meatball patty is visible, covered with more tomato sauce that slightly drips out. Both sandwiches are wrapped halfway with red and white striped paper. A blurred striped cloth is in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes the Islak Burger “wet”?

The burger buns are soaked in a garlicky tomato sauce, making the entire sandwich moist and flavorful, which is why it’s called the “wet burger.”

Can I use regular tomato sauce instead of passata?

While tomato passata works best for its smooth texture and concentrated flavor, you can substitute with a good-quality strained tomato sauce if needed.