3 Takes on Burgers

Thursday, May 27, 2021

You've got to have a few easy burger ideas in your back pocket at all times. Each of the recipes below will make 2 burgers, and you can use whatever ground meat you'd like! Anything will do. All of these burgers can be cooked on the grill, or on the stovetop.

PARMESAN & CARAMELIZED ONION BURGER

This means parmesan IN your burger, and caramelized onions ON your burger. A win-win.

For the onions: This part can take some time, so start here. Thinly slice a small yellow onion, then heat 1 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it's melted, add your onions, then add a pinch of salt & a pinch of sugar, stir, and reduce heat to low. Slowly let your onions caramelize, cooking for about 20 min and stirring every now and again.

For the burger: Grate about 1/3 cup fresh parmesan and mix it with 12 oz ground meat, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and salt & pepper to taste. (Feeling crazy? Add a splash of Bourbon, too!) Form into 2 patties and cook on the stovetop or grill to desired doneness.

To assemble: Toast 2 sesame buns, add mayo & grainy mustard, a handful of arugula, and then your parmesan burger. Arrange caramelized onions on top, and voilà!

BREAKFAST BURGER

Perfect for brunch, or for when you're craving breakfast for dinner. This recipe has all the breakfast basics: egg, cheese, bacon & a croissant. Yes, please!

For the burger: Combine 12 oz ground meat, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt & pepper to taste. Form into 2 patties and sear on the stovetop or cook on the grill. Add a slice of white cheddar to each burger, then either put a lid on the pan or close the grill to let the cheese melt.

For the eggs & bacon: Add some oil to a hot pan and crack 2 eggs into the pan, then fry to desired doneness. Rather than strips of bacon, use bacon jam here! (It's way easier, and adds a touch of sweetness.) Mix 2 Tbsp bacon jam with 1 Tbsp mayo for an irresistible sauce.

To assemble: Cut each croissant in half and toast in the oven, then spread on bacon mayo. Add the burgers then top with the fried egg and some arugula.

BANH MI BURGER

This one is a real showstopper! Use a mini baguette for your bun, add sriracha mayo, a seasoned patty, pickled veggies, and some fresh herbs.

For the pickled veggies: Combine 2/3 cup matchstick carrots, 5 oz sliced cucumbers, 3/4 cup chow chow, 1 jalapeño sliced into thin strips (keep seeds for more heat) 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp honey, and salt & pepper to taste. (Tip: Make this part first so that the veggies can quick-pickle while you're making the rest of the burger.)

For the burger: Combine 12 oz ground meat, 2 tsp tomato paste, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp curry powder. Form into 2 long ovals (rather than circles), then cook patties on the stovetop or grill to your desired doneness. 

For the sriracha mayo: Mix 1/4 cup mayo, 1/2 Tbsp sriracha, juice of half a lemon, and salt & pepper to taste.

To assemble: Cut the baguettes in half lengthwise, toast them if you'd like, then slather on sriracha mayo, add the burger, then top with pickled veggies and fresh mint & cilantro.