Tamarind Takes the Stage in this McCormick and Black Tap Burger, Fries and Shake!

McCormick has partnered with Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers to create a unique burger, shake, and fries using the 2024 Flavor of the Year, Tamarind.  McCormick has released a Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning and this specific seasoning was used to create a flavorful meal that is available at select Black Tap locations throughout the world during February.  

I had the opportunity to try out the Tamarind Chile Jam Burger, Tamarind & Papilla Chile Fries, and the Tamarind Chile Cocoa Curry CrazyShake at the Black Tap Anaheim location which is near the middle of Downtown Disney District.  

The Tamarind Burger features “spiced ground chicken seasoned with ginger, garlic, scallions, and soy sauce, then basted with a sweet and tangy tamarind chile jam that features McCormick Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning. Topped with a roasted garlic sesame aioli spread and a Thai salad of basil, cilantro, pickled carrots, pickled onions, and chilis, the burger is then finished with more tamarind chile jam and toasted tamarind pasilla chile cashews.”

 Sounds like unique right?

I’d say that since chicken burgers tend to be bland, the infusion of the tamarind & papilla flavors makes this a really tasty burger.  The best way I’d describe it is sort of a spicy soy sauce flavor. I liked the crunch of the papilla chile cashews which provided a different texture from the Thai salad and Tamarind sauce that is on the burger. If you don’t like sauce-heavy burgers then I’d say this burger isn’t really for you, but the fries and the CrazyShake should not be missed.

The burger was paired with Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Fries and these were my absolute favorite parts of the meal. The fries are tossed in Black Tap’s house-made chili oil and McCormick Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning, making them have quite a spicy kick. Don’t be scared though, it’s not too spicy with the right amount of spice! Just the fries on their own would be a great appetizer for a sporting event and McCormick has provided the recipe for those to make at home!

The last part of this unique meal was the Tamarind Chile Cocoa Churro CrazyShake.  McCormick describes this shake as a “vanilla ice cream milkshake that brings to life an unexpected take on the 2024 McCormick Flavor of the Year, Tamarind. Seasoned with McCormick Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning, cocoa powder, and chocolate syrup to combine sour and sweet, the glass is rimmed with chocolate fudge icing before being rolled in crushed cocoa puffs. For added indulgence, fried churros, cinnamon sugar, and a fudge pop are added before being topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, crushed cocoa puffs, and a light dusting of the spice.”

This CrazyShake is absolutely delicious and the McCormick seasoning brings so much depth to this cocoa flavor of the shake.  This isn’t to say the shake is spicy, because it’s not.  It’s a rich and velvety chocolate flavor with a sweet whipped cream and several fun aspects like cocoa puffs, churros, and an old-school fudge popsicle. I kept snacking on the spicy fries and then sipping the shake for that sweet and spicy combination! 

Black Tap Anaheim is a great place to grab a bite to eat in Downtown Disney District. Here are some tips for visiting Black Tap Anaheim:

• Arrive early to avoid long wait times. The line can start forming up to 30 minutes before opening, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Consider going with a group and sharing a few menu items. The portions at Black Tap are large, so it’s a great way to try a variety of things on the menu.
• Take advantage of the colorful walls throughout the restaurant. They’re great for photo opportunities!
• Don’t miss the Crazy Shakes. They’re over-the-top milkshakes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and grab a few straws for sharing.
• Be prepared to wait for your food. Black Tap is a popular spot, so it can take some time to get your order.
• If you’re looking for a quick bite, this may not be the place for you. Black Tap is more of a sit-down and relax kind of restaurant, but I should say that the tables turn over quickly.

We had a blast trying out this limited edition burger, fries, and shake and if you are near a Black Tap location, check out these items!

This post was sponsored by McCormick and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers. All thoughts and opinions my own.