Introduction
Looking to elevate your barbecue game? Try these ultimate barbecue burgers that are packed with flavor and freshness! With a delectable blend of ingredients including pickled gherkins, fresh herbs, and a tangy burger sauce, these burgers are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients list, preparation details, and cooking times!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the burgers:
1 x 840g jar large whole pickled gherkins
1 fresh red chili
½ a bunch of fresh herbs (10g), such as parsley, dill, mint
3 or 4 whole cloves
800g higher-welfare minced chuck steak (22% fat)
8 slices of higher-welfare smoked pancetta or bacon
2 teaspoons American or English mustard
4 thin slices of Gruyère cheese
2 ice cubes
4 sesame-topped brioche burger buns
For the burger sauce:
3 heaped tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 heaped tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon English mustard
½ a lemon
¼ of an iceberg lettuce
For the rainbow slaw:
400g fresh mixed-color beetroots
1 eating apple
½ a bunch of fresh mint (15g)
½ a lemon
Extra virgin olive oil
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Preheat the griddle with the burners on medium until the temperature gauge registers about 200°C.
Step 2: Prepare the Gherkin Mixture
Remove the gherkins from the jar and set them aside. Trim and finely slice the chili, then roughly chop the herbs. Place the sliced chili and chopped herbs in the gherkin jar with the whole cloves. Finely slice the gherkins on the diagonal and return them to the jar. Secure the lid and shake to mix the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and English mustard. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, mix thoroughly, and season to taste. Finely slice the iceberg lettuce, incorporate it into the bowl, and mix well.
Step 4: Prepare the Rainbow Slaw
Wash, trim, and grate the fresh mixed-color beetroots and the eating apple. Roughly chop the mint and any nice beetroot leaves, and place them in a bowl. Squeeze over the juice of half a lemon, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season to taste.
Step 5: Form the Burger Patties
With clean hands, scrunch and knead the minced chuck steak, then divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, patting them together well but not packing them too tightly. Season each patty with sea salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Cook the Burgers and Bacon
Place the patties on the preheated griddle and press them down to about 1½ cm thick using a burger press or a spatula. Add the smoked pancetta or bacon alongside the burgers. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the burgers and bacon, brushing ½ teaspoon of mustard over the cooked side of each burger. Cook for another minute, flip the burgers again, and top each with a slice of Gruyère cheese and 2 slices of crispy bacon.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Place basting domes over the burgers on the griddle, covering two burgers each. Slide one ice cube under each dome; the melting ice will create steam that results in beautifully melted cheese. Cook for an additional minute, or until the cheese has fully melted.
Step 8: Toast the Brioche Buns
Cut the brioche buns in half and toast them on the griddle for 1 minute, turning them halfway through to achieve an even toast.
Step 9: Assemble the Burgers
To assemble, spread some of the burger sauce over the base of each toasted bun. Top with a cheesy burger, a dollop of rainbow slaw, and a few gherkin slices.
Notes
Note 1
The remaining gherkins can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Note 2
Ensure to adjust the seasoning of the burger sauce and slaw to your personal taste before assembling the burgers.
Note 3
Using higher-welfare meat and bacon will not only enhance the flavors but also contribute to a more ethical meal choice.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Griddle
Ensure the griddle is preheated to a temperature of about 200°C before cooking the burgers for a perfect sear.
Flavor Infusion
Slice the chili and herbs, then combine with the gherkins and cloves in the jar. Shaking the jar enhances the flavors by allowing them to meld together.
Creating Burger Sauce
Combine Greek yogurt, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and English mustard for a rich, tangy burger sauce. Squeeze lemon juice before mixing in the iceberg lettuce.
Making Rainbow Slaw
Grate the beetroots and apple, then chop the mint and any beetroot leaves. Mix with lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh and colorful slaw.
Shaping the Burgers
Knead and divide the minced chuck steak into four portions, shaping them into balls and then flattening to create patties, ensuring they are not too tightly packed.
Cooking the Burgers
Cook the burgers on the griddle, flipping them to allow even cooking. Use mustard to enhance flavor on the cooked side before adding cheese and bacon.
Cheese Melting Technique
Cover the burgers with basting domes and place ice cubes underneath to create steam, ensuring the Gruyère cheese melts perfectly.
Toasting Brioche Buns
Cut the brioche buns in half and toast them on the griddle for a minute, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bun.
Assembling the Burger
Spread the burger sauce on the bun base, layer with a cheesy burger, slaw, and gherkin slices to create a flavorful stacked burger.
FAQ
Can I substitute the minced chuck steak with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, but the texture and flavor will vary.
How long can I store the remaining gherkins after making the burgers?
The remaining gherkins can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
You can substitute Gruyère with other melting cheeses like Swiss cheese or cheddar.
Can I make the rainbow slaw in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
What type of olive oil should I use for the slaw?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, but regular olive oil will also work.
Is it necessary to use basting domes for cooking the burgers?
While basting domes help melt the cheese with steam, you can also cover the burgers with a lid if you don’t have them.
Can I add other ingredients to the burger sauce?
Yes, feel free to customize the burger sauce with other ingredients like garlic, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Enjoy the ultimate barbecue experience with these delicious homemade burgers. The combination of the juicy chuck steak, flavorful smoked pancetta, and melted Gruyère cheese, topped with zesty burger sauce and fresh rainbow slaw, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Your friends and family will love this hearty meal, making it an excellent choice for your next gathering or barbecue.
Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Use minced chicken instead of chuck steak, add mozzarella cheese, and serve with a pesto mayonnaise.
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Swap the chuck steak for mashed black beans and quinoa. Spice them up with cumin and serve with avocado dressing.
Mediterranean Lamb Burgers
Substitute chuck steak with minced lamb, add feta cheese, and serve with tzatziki sauce and sliced cucumbers.
Veggie Burger Delight
Create a burger with chickpeas, spinach, and carrots, seasoned with garlic and herbs, served with a tahini sauce.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Use slow-cooked pulled pork instead of beef, add coleslaw, and serve on soft brioche buns with BBQ sauce.
Fish Tacos
Replace the burger with grilled fish fillets, topped with a spicy mango salsa and served in soft corn tortillas.
Stuffed Portobello Burgers
Use grilled portobello mushrooms as a meat substitute, filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce.
