Introduction
In the realm of easy yet satisfying meals, a homemade burger reigns supreme. Using higher-welfare beef mince and a touch of Cajun seasoning, this recipe balances juicy flavors with crunchy textures. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend lunch or weeknight dinner, this burger will certainly hit the spot.
Ingredients
– ¼ of a small onion
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 125g higher-welfare beef mince
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 burger bun
– Tomato ketchup
– 2 gherkins
– American mustard, to serve
– 1 tomato
– 1 handful of mixed salad leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 minutes
Total Time
14 minutes
Yield
1 burger
This delicious homemade burger is not only quick to prepare but also offers a variety of flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion
Peel the onion and slice it very finely into rounds. Once sliced, break the onion rounds into rings. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion rings to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even cooking. After a few minutes, push the cooked onions to one side of the pan to make space for the beef patty.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Patty
In the same pan, take 125g of higher-welfare beef mince and squash it into a rough patty about ½cm thick and slightly larger than your burger bun. Season the patty with black pepper and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Move the onion rings on top of the beef patty and use a fish slice to press the onions firmly into the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Patty and Toast the Bun
Cook the beef patty for 2 minutes on one side, allowing it to develop a good sear. Flip the patty and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side, or until it is cooked through and has a nice crust. Meanwhile, cut the burger bun in half and place it cut-side down in the pan to toast alongside the patty for about 1 minute, until lightly golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Burger
Once the patty and bun are ready, spread tomato ketchup over the bottom half of the toasted bun. Place the cooked burger patty on top, followed by one sliced gherkin. Drizzle American mustard over the burger to your preference and then cap it with the top half of the bun.
Step 5: Serve the Sides
Slice the remaining gherkin and the tomato into rounds. Serve these slices on the side along with a handful of mixed salad leaves. Alternatively, you can choose to stuff them into your burger bun as you please.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Using higher-welfare beef mince ensures better animal welfare and higher quality meat, resulting in a more flavorful burger.
Customizing Flavors
Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and mustard according to your taste preference. You can also add other toppings like cheese, avocado, or extra veggies.
Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the patty and the heat of your stove, so make sure to check that the meat is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef.
Cook techniques
Preparing Onion
Peel and slice the onion into very thin rounds, then break them into rings. Cook them in a non-stick pan with olive oil, stirring regularly until softened.
Forming the Patty
Squash the minced beef into a rough patty about ½ cm thick, ensuring it is slightly larger than the burger bun for optimal coverage.
Seasoning
Season the beef patty with black pepper and Cajun seasoning for added flavor before cooking.
Cooking the Burger
Cook the burger patty for 2 minutes on each side until it is well-cooked and has developed a crispy surface. Toast the halved burger bun in the pan for a minute alongside the patty.
Assembling the Burger
Spread the bun base with tomato ketchup, place the cooked burger on top, add sliced gherkin and mustard, and finish with the bun lid.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the tomato and remaining gherkin to serve on the side, or add them directly into the burger. Accompany with mixed salad leaves.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the burger?
Yes, you can substitute the beef mince with other types of minced meat, like turkey or chicken, but cooking times may vary.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create a blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
How do I make the burger spicy?
You can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I prepare the burger patties in advance?
Yes, you can shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
What are some alternative toppings I can use?
Consider using avocado, cheese, onions, or different sauces like BBQ or Sriracha for additional flavor.
Conclusion
This delicious Cajun-style beef burger offers a fantastic blend of flavors, with the savory mince and spices complemented by the sweetness of sautéed onions and tangy condiments. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chickpea Burger
Substitute the beef mince with mashed chickpeas and add chili powder for a spicy veggie burger.
BBQ Beef Burger
Add barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor and top with grilled onions and cheese.
Greek-Style Burger
Add feta cheese and diced cucumbers to the beef patty mix and serve with tzatziki sauce in the bun.
Surf and Turf Burger
Top your beef burger with sautéed shrimp and garlic butter for an indulgent twist.
Caprese Burger
Layer fresh mozzarella, basil, and pesto on the burger for a fresh Italian-inspired dish.
Asian-Inspired Burger
Incorporate ginger and soy sauce into the beef patty, and serve with pickled vegetables and sriracha mayo.
Breakfast Burger
Add a fried egg and crispy bacon on top of your beef burger for a hearty breakfast option.
Veggie Toppings Galore
Experiment with a variety of toppings like avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled peppers for a personalized burger experience.
