Colombian Bandeja Paisa Burger: A Fusion of Hearty Flavors

The Colombian Bandeja Paisa Burger is a culinary innovation that bridges Colombia’s rich gastronomic heritage and modern food trends in an eclectic fusion. Taking inspiration from the traditional Bandeja Paisa, this burger is more than just a recipe—it’s a flavorful ode to Colombia’s rich culinary identity. Bandeja Paisa is considered one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes and is known for its hearty portions and diverse array of components. Originating in the mountainous Antioquia region, the dish is a reflection of the hardworking campesinos (farmers) who needed big, energy-rich meals to sustain them during long days of labor. Key elements, like beans, rice, eggs, plantains, chorizo, avocado, and chicharrón (fried pork belly or cracklings), are staples of the dish, each symbolizing the agricultural abundance of Colombia.

What makes this dish particularly special is the ingenious way its essence has been transformed into burger form. The Bandeja Paisa’s components are harmoniously deconstructed and layered into a burger, creating an entirely new dining experience while paying homage to its classic roots. The heart of the Bandeja Paisa Burger is its 80/20 ground beef patty, which is juicy and flavorful, evoking the richness of expertly cooked Colombian proteins. The burger also celebrates the marriage of textures and flavors that define Bandeja Paisa. Smoky, crispy bacon and charred chorizo provide bursts of meaty, savory flavor, while the soft, caramelized sweetness of fried ripe plantains contrasts beautifully. Adding sliced avocado lends a creamy, buttery element, balancing out the other strong flavors.

Additionally, the fried egg placed atop the patty mirrors the iconic fried egg often served with Bandeja Paisa, creating a richness that ties each bite together. The inclusion of mashed kidney beans mirrors the frijoles (beans) found in the original platter but adds a spreadable, flavorful component to the burger. The final touches—sliced jalapeño for a kick of heat and soft, toasted brioche buns—elevate the dish to a proper modern burger creation while maintaining its Colombian flavor DNA.

This recipe is more than just food—it’s a culinary journey. It captures the feelings of nostalgia for a beloved Colombian meal while offering a new, innovative way to enjoy it. Whether you are a Colombian expat longing for a taste of home or a food enthusiast exploring new flavors, the Bandeja Paisa Burger delivers both comfort and excitement. It’s a handheld embodiment of Colombian hospitality and culinary creativity, easy to prepare yet packed with bold and inviting flavors.

This burger is perfect for gatherings with family and friends, showcasing Colombian cuisine in a way that’s fun, approachable, and delicious. It’s a dish that not only celebrates the past but also steps into the present, showcasing how traditional food can evolve while staying true to its roots. By meshing the deep culinary traditions of Bandeja Paisa with the contemporary charm of a layered burger, the Colombian Bandeja Paisa Burger is a triumph of flavor, culture, and creativity.

Colombian Bandeja Paisa Burger

Elenor Craig

Inspired by Colombia’s beloved Bandeja Paisa, this burger is a flavorful fusion that brings together the hearty essence of a traditional Colombian platter with the modern twist of a burger. Filled with assorted textures and robust flavors, it offers a unique dining experience that combines nostalgia with creativity.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course MainCourse

Cuisine Colombian

Servings 4 burgers

Calories 731 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 500 g ground beef preferably 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio
• 4 slices bacon thick-cut, smoked
• 1 large ripe plantain sliced into rounds
• 1 medium avocado fully ripe, sliced
• 4 medium burgers buns preferably brioche
• 4 small fried eggs sunny side up
• 120 ml red kidney beans cooked, drained
• 120 ml Colombian chorizo grilled and sliced
• 1 large jalapeño sliced

Instructions

 

• Prepare the beef patties: Gently combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into four equal patties, making a small indentation in the center of each to aid even cooking.
• Cook the bacon and chorizo: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels, retaining some fat in the skillet. Grill the chorizo slices in the same skillet until nicely charred. Set aside.
• Fry the plantains: In the bacon fat, fry plantain slices until caramelized and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Cook the patties: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, cooking the beef patties for about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness or until cooked to your desired level.
• Assemble the burgers: Toast the burger buns under the grill for a minute. Spread a layer of mashed red kidney beans on the bottom halves of the buns. Top each with a beef patty, bacon, chorizo, fried egg, avocado slices, fried plantains, and jalapeño.
• Complete the dish: Finish with the top halves of the buns, securing each burger with a skewer if necessary to keep its towering layers intact.

Notes

For an extra twist, consider adding a tablespoon of arequipe (Colombian caramel) into the bacon fat before frying the plantains. This will lend a subtle sweet and smoky layer to your plantains.

Nutrition

Calories: 731kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 38gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 296mgSodium: 453mgPotassium: 1022mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1033IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 133mgIron: 6mg

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