Introduction
Indulge in a deliciously hearty burger experience with this recipe for higher-welfare minced chuck steak burgers. Topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a homemade burger sauce, these burgers are perfect for a special occasion or a casual meal at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
800g higher-welfare minced chuck steak
Olive oil
1 large red onion
Splash of white wine vinegar
2 large gherkins
4 sesame-topped brioche burger buns
4–8 rashers of higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
4 teaspoons American mustard
Tabasco Chipotle sauce
4 thin slices of Red Leicester cheese
4 teaspoons tomato ketchup
For the Burger Sauce:
¼ of an iceberg lettuce
2 heaped tablespoons free-range mayonnaise
1 heaped tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon Tabasco Chipotle sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional: 1 teaspoon brandy or bourbon
Prep Time
40 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers
Method
1. Divide the minced chuck steak into four portions. With wet hands, roll each portion into a ball, then press into flat patties approximately 12cm wide and about 2cm wider than your buns. Place on an oiled plate and chill in the fridge.
2. Finely slice the red onion and dress in a bowl with the vinegar and a pinch of sea salt. Slice the gherkins and halve the buns.
3. Finely chop the lettuce and mix with the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco Chipotle sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy or bourbon (if using) in a bowl. Season to taste.
4. Heat a large non-stick frying pan on high heat for the burgers and another pan on medium heat for the bacon.
5. Pat the burgers with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place two burgers into the first pan, pressing down with a spatula. Place half the bacon into the other pan.
6. After 1 minute, flip the burgers and brush each cooked side with ½ teaspoon of mustard and a dash of Tabasco. After another minute, flip onto the mustard side and brush again with another ½ teaspoon of mustard and a second dash of Tabasco on the other side.
7. Cook for one more minute, then place crispy bacon on top of each burger with a slice of cheese. Add a tiny splash of water to the pan and cover with a heatproof bowl to melt the cheese—30 seconds should suffice.
8. Simultaneously, toast the split buns in the bacon fat in the other pan until lightly golden.
9. Repeat with the remaining two burgers.
10. To assemble each burger, spread a quarter of the burger sauce on the bun base, top with a cheesy bacon burger, a quarter of the onions and gherkins. Spread a teaspoon of ketchup on the bun top, then gently press together.
11. Serve immediately, or for an extra indulgent experience, wrap each burger in greaseproof paper and let it rest for a minute to become gorgeously sloppy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burgers
Divide the minced chuck steak into four portions. With wet hands, roll each portion into a ball, then press into flat patties approximately 12cm wide and about 2cm wider than your buns. Place on an oiled plate and chill in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely slice the red onion and dress in a bowl with the vinegar and a pinch of sea salt. Slice the gherkins and halve the buns.
Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce
Finely chop the lettuce and mix with the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco Chipotle sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy or bourbon (if using) in a bowl. Season to taste.
Step 4: Heat the Pans
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on high heat for the burgers and another pan on medium heat for the bacon.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers and Bacon
Pat the burgers with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place two burgers into the first pan, pressing down with a spatula. Place half the bacon into the other pan.
Step 6: Flip and Season the Burgers
After 1 minute, flip the burgers and brush each cooked side with ½ teaspoon of mustard and a dash of Tabasco. After another minute, flip onto the mustard side and brush again with another ½ teaspoon of mustard and a second dash of Tabasco on the other side.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Cook for one more minute, then place crispy bacon on top of each burger with a slice of cheese. Add a tiny splash of water to the pan and cover with a heatproof bowl to melt the cheese—30 seconds should suffice.
Step 8: Toast the Buns
Simultaneously, toast the split buns in the bacon fat in the other pan until lightly golden.
Step 9: Repeat for Remaining Burgers
Repeat with the remaining two burgers.
Step 10: Assemble the Burgers
To assemble each burger, spread a quarter of the burger sauce on the bun base, top with a cheesy bacon burger, a quarter of the onions and gherkins. Spread a teaspoon of ketchup on the bun top, then gently press together.
Step 11: Serve or Rest the Burgers
Serve immediately, or for an extra indulgent experience, wrap each burger in greaseproof paper and let it rest for a minute to become gorgeously sloppy.
Notes
Note 1: Meat Quality
Using higher-welfare minced chuck steak and smoked streaky bacon enhances the flavor and quality of your burger.
Note 2: Burger Sauce Variation
Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the burger sauce according to personal taste preferences.
Note 3: Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary based on stove heat; ensure burgers are well-cooked to your desired doneness.
Note 4: Cheese Melting
The cheese can also be melted under a broiler for a slightly different texture.
Note 5: Optional Ingredients
The brandy or bourbon in the burger sauce can be omitted or substituted with another flavor enhancer as desired.
Cook techniques
Preparing Burger Patties
Divide the minced chuck steak into four portions. With wet hands, roll each portion into a ball and then press into flat patties approximately 12cm wide and about 2cm wider than your buns. Chill in the fridge to firm up.
Slicing Ingredients
Finely slice the red onion and gherkins. When slicing the onion, dress in a bowl with white wine vinegar and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
Making the Burger Sauce
Finely chop the iceberg lettuce and combine it with mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco Chipotle sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and optional brandy or bourbon in a bowl. Mix well and season to taste.
Cooking Burgers
Heat a large non-stick frying pan on high heat for the burgers. Pat the burgers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook two burgers at a time, pressing down with a spatula for even cooking.
Bacon Cooking Method
Use a separate pan on medium heat to cook the higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon until crispy. This will add flavor to both the burgers and the buns.
Flipping Techniques
After one minute of cooking, carefully flip the burgers and brush each side with mustard and Tabasco sauce. This adds depth of flavor to the burgers.
Melt the Cheese
Once the burgers are cooked, place crispy bacon and a slice of cheese on top. Add a tiny splash of water to the pan and cover with a heatproof bowl to melt the cheese quickly.
Toasting Buns
Toast the split brioche burger buns in the bacon fat in the pan until they are lightly golden. This infuses the buns with a rich flavor.
Assembling the Burger
Spread a quarter of the burger sauce on the bun base, layer with a cheeseburger, onions, and gherkins, and finish with a teaspoon of ketchup on the bun top before gently pressing together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately, or for an indulgent touch, wrap the burgers in greaseproof paper and let them rest for a minute to enhance the flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?
Yes, you can substitute the minced chuck steak with beef from other cuts, turkey, or plant-based alternatives according to your preference.
How do I achieve the perfect burger patty?
Make sure to handle the meat gently when forming the patties and make them slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink while cooking.
What can I substitute for Tabasco Chipotle sauce?
You can use any hot sauce you prefer, though the flavor profile may differ. A smoked hot sauce would be a good alternative.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are cooked safely.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and store the patties, chopped vegetables, and burger sauce in the fridge a few hours before cooking to save time.
Conclusion
Indulging in a homemade burger made with higher-welfare ingredients elevates the dining experience to a new level of flavor and satisfaction. The combination of juicy chuck steak, crispy bacon, and creamy burger sauce creates a delightful harmony. Whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or a festive celebration, this burger recipe promises to impress and satisfy any palate.
Classic Cheeseburger Variation
Replace the Red Leicester cheese with your favorite cheese varieties, such as cheddar or gouda, and simplify the toppings to include just lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a classic cheeseburger experience.
Spicy Jalapeño Burgers
Incorporate sliced jalapeños into the meat mixture or as a topping for an extra kick. Swap the Tabasco Chipotle sauce with a spicy sriracha sauce for additional heat.
BBQ Bacon Burger
Add a smoky BBQ sauce to the burger sauce mixture and use melted smoked cheese instead of Red Leicester for a BBQ flavor twist.
Mushroom Swiss Burger
Sauté mushrooms in garlic and butter, and top the burger with Swiss cheese instead of Red Leicester for a rich and earthy taste.
Pesto Burger
Mix a tablespoon of basil pesto into the burger patties for an herby flavor, and top with fresh mozzarella and sliced tomatoes for an Italian twist.
Avocado and Chipotle Burger
Mash ripe avocados with lime juice for a creamy spread and layer on top along with an additional drizzle of chipotle sauce for depth and flavor.
Vegetarian Option
Substitute the beef with a plant-based patty and top with all the same fixings, allowing for a delicious meat-free option without sacrificing taste.
