Burgers are a classic American dish that are customizable and delicious. While the patty, cheese, and bun make up the foundation of a good burger, the toppings you choose can take it to the next level. Tomatoes are one of the most popular burger toppings, but not all tomato varieties pair well with juicy beef patties. The best tomatoes for burgers are flavorful, juicy, and can stand up to the other strong flavors. So which tomatoes check all these boxes and make the ideal burger topping?
What Makes a Good Burger Tomato?
When selecting tomatoes for your burgers, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Flavor – You want a tomato with a good depth of flavor that will complement the other ingredients. Tomatoes that are overly bland or watery won’t add much.
- Juiciness – The tomato should release some of its moisture when bitten into, but not be so watery that it makes the bun soggy.
- Firmness – Look for tomatoes that are ripe but still have some firmness. Tomatoes that are mushy will fall apart on your burger.
- Size/shape – Smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape tomatoes can be slippery and fall out of the bun. Larger slicing tomatoes are a better choice.
Keep these qualities in mind when selecting which tomatoes to use on your next batch of burgers.
Best Tomato Varieties for Burgers
Beefsteak
Beefsteak tomatoes are one of the most popular varieties for burgers and other sandwiches. These large, crimson tomatoes have a delicious sweet and tangy flavor. Their thicker flesh makes them juicier than other slicing tomatoes. When ripe, they become soft but still maintain their structure well on a burger. Beefsteak tomatoes are widely available and easy to find.
Roma
Roma or plum tomatoes are a great choice for burgers. These oval tomatoes are meaty, with few seeds, and have a robust flavor. While they contain less juice than beefsteak varieties, they still provide moisture when bitten into. Their smaller size means they won’t overwhelm the burger. Roma tomatoes also hold up well when cooking or grilling burgers.
Heirloom
Heirloom tomatoes offer an amazing depth of flavor that really enhances a burger. There are many varieties of heirloom tomatoes to choose from, some of the best for burgers include:
- Cherokee Purple – Sweet, rich flavor with a good acidity.
- Pink Berkeley Tie Dye – Juicy and delicious with a striped pink and green interior.
- Green Zebra – Bright green striped exterior with a sweet, acidic flavor.
- Black Krim – Deep red-black color and earthy, robust tomato flavor.
The downside of heirlooms is they can be harder to find and more expensive than hybrid varieties. But their amazing flavor is worth seeking out.
Slicing Tomatoes
Standard slicing tomatoes like Better Boy, Big Beef, or Celebrity are readily available sources of good burger tomatoes. While not as flavorful as beefsteak or heirloom varieties, their balance of sweetness and acidity tastes great on burgers. They have a good firm texture and juiciness when ripe. Slicing tomatoes are an easy option when you can’t find anything else.
Cherry/Grape Tomatoes
For a fun twist, try using a cluster of smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape tomatoes. Although they can be messy and won’t give you big tomato slices, their burst of sweetness and juice makes a great addition to burgers. Just be sure to skewer them first so they don’t go flying out of the bun!
How To Pick Ripe Tomatoes for Burgers
No matter which tomato variety you choose, it’s important to select ripe tomatoes at their peak. Here are some tips for picking delicious, ripe tomatoes:
- Look for a deep, even color without green patches. Ripe tomatoes will be red, pink, purplish-black, orange, or striped depending on type.
- Avoid tomatoes with bruises, blemishes, or soft/mushy spots.
- Choose tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when gently squeezed.
- Smell the tomato – ripe tomatoes will have a stronger aroma.
- For tomatoes still on the vine, look for browned flowers still attached to the stem.
- Ask your farmer at the market for recommendations on the best ripe tomatoes.
Picking optimally ripe, in-season tomatoes guarantees you’ll have the tastiest tomatoes for your burgers.
How To Store Tomatoes for Burgers
Proper storage preserves the flavor and extends the shelf life of fresh tomatoes. Follow these guidelines for keeping tomatoes fresh until you’re ready to use them:
- Don’t refrigerate – The cold damages tomatoes and ruins their texture and flavor. Leave them at room temperature.
- Keep them dry – Moisture causes tomatoes to spoil faster. Don’t wash until ready to use.
- Let them ripen on the counter – Unripe tomatoes will continue to ripen at room temp but not in the fridge.
- Store in a single layer – Don’t pile tomatoes or they’ll bruise each other.
- Consume within a few days – Ripe tomatoes are highly perishable. Use within 2-3 days for best quality.
With proper handling, you can enjoy fresh tomato flavor on your burgers even when they’re not in season.
How To Prepare Tomatoes for Burgers
Preparing the tomatoes is an important step for maximizing their flavor contribution to your burgers. Here are some tips:
- Wash and dry – Always wash tomatoes just before using them. Water makes them soggy.
- Core and slice – Remove the stem end and core slices 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Salt and drain – Lightly salt the tomato slices and let drain in a colander to remove excess liquid.
- Drizzle with oil – Brush both sides with olive oil or dressing to add flavor.
- Grill them – Grilled tomato slices are amazing on burgers!
Proper prep ensures you get great tomato taste in every juicy, delicious bite of your burger.
How To Construct Burgers with Tomatoes
Putting together a perfect burger is both a science and an art. Follow these tips for layering tomatoes and other toppings:
- Start with the bottom bun
- Add condiments like ketchup, mayo, or mustard next
- Place the patty on top of condiments
- Layer cheese slices over patty while still hot
- Add tomato slices next to provide juice and prevent bun sogginess
- Top with lettuce, pickles, onion
- Finish with top bun and secure with toothpick if needed
Constructing burgers in the right order results in the best balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
Tomato Alternatives for Burgers
While tomato is the classic choice, there are other produce items that can make tasty burger toppings if you don’t have ripe tomatoes on hand:
- Pickle slices – for crunch and tangy flavor
- Roasted red peppers – for sweetness
- Avocado – for creaminess
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant – for meaty texture
- Caramelized onions – for savory depth
- Sliced beets – for earthy sweetness
Part of the fun of burgers is trying new flavors. So don’t be afraid to experiment with non-traditional toppings in place of tomatoes.
Key Takeaways on the Best Tomatoes for Burgers
Here are the most important factors in picking the right tomato to top your burger:
- Go for beefsteak, roma, or heirloom varieties for the best flavor and texture.
- Always use ripe, optimally fresh tomatoes for maximum juiciness.
- Store tomatoes properly to maintain quality as long as possible.
- Slice tomatoes thickly and drain off excess liquid before adding to burgers.
- Construct burgers thoughtfully in layers for ideal cohesion of flavors.
Taking the time to select, store, and prepare tomatoes purposefully will reward you with crazy delicious burgers that everyone will rave about. Now get out there and make your best burger yet!