These turmeric-spiked pickles lend spicy sweetness to the burger at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.

A meaty, sweet presence between beef and bun.

bolster a burger’s savory qualities.

sliced into strips add sour notes and snap.

Alfalfa sprouts, with their fresh, almost grassy taste, pair well with beef.

A velvety alternative to crunchy iceberg.

Few toppings are more delicious than sweet sauteed onions.

Coleslaw adds a cool crunch to burgers.

The soft yolk mingles beautifully with the beef.

Store-bought or homemade, it lends a briny, Mediterranean accent.

These brined peppers give mild heat.

An earthy alternative to sweet pickles.

Pickled jalapeno slices convey an aromatic, tingly heat.

Red onions are a classic topping; briefly soak slices in ice water to temper their intensity.

Roasted red peppers give burgers a smoky, sweet accent.

A bold substitute for onions.

A few slices can stand in for mayo and impart a buttery richness.