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Bengaluru-Style Kabab Burger: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Side Dish

If you’ve ever experienced the food culture in Bengaluru or across Karnataka, you’ll know that the region has its own unique take on kabab. Unlike the traditional skewered, grilled version, Bengaluru-style kababs are fried and coated in a spicy batter, often resembling chicken 65. These kababs are commonly served as a side dish with biryani in many homes and are also a popular street food. But today, we’re taking that beloved fried kabab and transforming it into something unexpected—a burger!

This Bengaluru-Style Kabab Burger takes the crispy, spicy kabab that’s typically served with biryani, chutney, and onions, and puts it all in a burger bun. The result? A mouthwatering fusion that brings together the flavors of a traditional fried kabab with the simplicity and fun of a burger. It’s an innovative way to enjoy a dish that’s familiar yet exciting.

What Makes This Bengaluru-Style Kabab Burger Special?

In many homes across Karnataka, this style of fried kabab is a staple, often served alongside fragrant biryani or as a snack at family gatherings. The chicken is marinated with bold spices and then fried to crispy perfection. It’s a dish that’s not only found on the streets but also cherished in home kitchens. With its rich, spicy flavor and crunchy texture, this kabab works wonderfully as a side dish, and now, it takes center stage in a burger.

I was inspired by the idea of pairing kabab with the tangy chutney and onions that typically accompany it—and thought, why not combine everything into a burger? The result is this one-of-a-kind Bengaluru-Style Kabab Burger, which captures the essence of the classic kabab while adding a fun and modern twist.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic Flavors with a Twist: The crispy fried kabab, tangy onion salad, and fresh chutney bring together all the elements of a traditional meal, but in burger form.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea, something fun for a weekend cookout, or a way to reinvent leftovers, this burger delivers.
• Easy to Make: With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of this classic dish without much hassle.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Kabab Marinade:

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy even after frying. The rich flavor and tenderness make them perfect for kababs.
• Bold Spices: Chili powder, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and coriander powder create a deeply flavorful marinade, while turmeric and black pepper add depth and warmth.
• Corn Flour and All-Purpose Flour: These give the kabab its signature crispy coating.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the spices and flours onto the chicken.

For the Tangy Onion Salad:

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced and marinated with lime juice and chaat masala, this salad adds a tangy crunch to balance the richness of the kabab.
• Chaat Masala: Brings a burst of tangy, salty flavor that complements the spicy chicken.

For the Coriander and Mint Chutney + Mayo:

• Coriander and Mint: These fresh herbs cool down the spiciness of the kabab while adding brightness to the overall flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Mixed with the chutney, it creates a creamy, tangy spread that elevates the burger.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Kabab

In a bowl, combine lime juice, ginger garlic chili paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin powder, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric, black pepper, corn flour, all-purpose flour, and egg. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best results).

Pro Tip: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be. For a quick version, marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination brings out the best flavor and tenderness.

2. Prepare the Tangy Onion Salad

Mix the thinly sliced red onion with lime juice, chaat masala, chili powder, and salt. Let the onions sit and absorb the flavors while you fry the kababs.

Pro Tip: Adjust the marination time for the onions based on your preference for pungency. The longer they marinate, the milder and sweeter they become.

3. Make the Coriander and Mint Chutney + Mayo

Blend fresh coriander, mint leaves, and green chili with a little water until smooth. Mix half of this chutney with mayonnaise to create a creamy spread. Keep the remaining chutney for drizzling over the burger.

Pro Tip: You can adjust the chutney’s consistency by adding more water if needed. Some prefer it chunky, while others like it smooth.

4. Fry the Kababs

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Coat the marinated chicken in an additional layer of cornflour before frying. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Be sure the oil is hot enough to avoid sogginess.

Pro Tip: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature, ensuring each piece is crispy and perfectly cooked.

5. Assemble the Burger

Toast the burger buns for added texture and flavor. Spread the coriander-mint mayo on the bottom bun, place a crispy fried chicken kabab on top, and add a spoonful of the tangy onion salad. Drizzle with the remaining chutney and top with the bun lid.

Pro Tip: Serve the burgers immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this Bengaluru-style Kabab Burger is fantastic on its own, you can elevate the experience by serving it with:

• Crispy Fries or Wedges: A classic burger pairing that balances the spiciness.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add extra tanginess and crunch with a side of pickles.

Why This Burger Stands Out

This burger is an exciting blend of familiar flavors presented in a completely new way. It’s a fusion that takes the traditional Bengaluru-style fried kabab—a dish that’s usually enjoyed with biryani or as a street food snack—and reinvents it as a burger. It’s not just delicious but also brings together the comfort of a burger with the exciting, spicy kick of South Indian kabab.

The crispy, golden kababs are full of spice and flavor, complemented by the fresh tanginess of the onion salad and the cool creaminess of the chutney mayo. With each bite, you get a little bit of everything—crunch, heat, freshness, and tang—all wrapped in a soft burger bun.

This Bengaluru-Style Kabab Burger is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of classic street food or just love experimenting with fusion dishes, this burger is guaranteed to impress. It brings together the best of both worlds: the spicy, crunchy fried kabab that’s loved in homes across Karnataka, and the universal comfort of a burger.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something familiar yet different, give this burger a try. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Bengaluru-style fried kababs—but in an entirely new form!

Enjoy!