Introduction
Elevate your burger game with this delightful recipe that perfectly marries rich flavors and textures. By incorporating gooey buffalo mozzarella, sweet balsamic onions, and a zesty homemade basil mayo, this dish promises to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or using an oven, this recipe is sure to impress at your next gathering or family dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 red onion
– 400g buffalo or beef mince
– 80g buffalo mozzarella
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 slices of mortadella
– 2 brioche buns
– 1 large ripe tomato
– 2 handfuls of rocket
For the mayo:
– 1 large free-range egg
– 125ml olive oil
– 125ml vegetable oil
– 1 lemon
– 1 bunch of fresh basil (30g)
Prep Time
40 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 or heat your barbecue.
2. Wrap the red onion in kitchen foil and cook in the oven or directly in the coals for 2 hours until soft.
3. With 30 minutes remaining for the onion, prepare the mayo: separate the egg yolk and whisk until fluffy. Gradually whisk in both oils, adding a tiny bit at a time, until thick and emulsified. If it becomes too thick, loosen with a little squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Season the mayo with a pinch of sea salt and additional lemon juice to taste. Pick the basil leaves, crush them into a paste using a pestle and mortar, and stir into the mayo.
5. Season the mince with salt and pepper, mixing well. Divide into four equal portions and shape into flat patties. Halve the mozzarella and place on two of the patties. Cover with the remaining patties and seal the edges firmly to encase the mozzarella, then gently shape into neat burgers.
6. Once the onion is cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and mash with a fork, discarding the root. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, season to taste, and mix well.
7. Heat your barbecue or grill. Cook the burgers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly.
8. Grill the mortadella until crisp, shaping it into a circle with tongs. Slice the buns and toast them on the barbecue. Cut the tomato into thick slices.
9. Spread 1 tablespoon of basil mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Add a slice of tomato, a slice of mortadella, and some rocket. Place the burger on top, add a dollop of balsamic onions, cover with the top half of the bun, and serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven or Barbecue
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 or heat your barbecue.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Onion
Wrap the red onion in kitchen foil and place it in the oven or directly into the coals for 2 hours until soft.
Step 3: Make the Mayo
With 30 minutes remaining for the onion, separate the yolk of the egg and whisk it until fluffy. Gradually whisk in both olive and vegetable oils, adding a tiny bit at a time until it thickens and emulsifies. If the mayo becomes too thick, loosen it with a little squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 4: Season the Mayo
Add a pinch of sea salt and additional lemon juice to taste in the mayo. Pick the basil leaves, crush them into a paste using a pestle and mortar, and stir them into the mayo.
Step 5: Prepare the Burgers
Season the mince with salt and pepper and mix well. Divide into four equal portions and shape into flat patties. Halve the mozzarella and place it on two of the patties. Cover with the remaining patties and firmly seal the edges to encase the mozzarella, then gently shape into neat burgers.
Step 6: Prepare the Balsamic Onions
Once the onion is cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and mash it with a fork, discarding the root. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, season to taste, and mix well.
Step 7: Cook the Burgers
Heat your barbecue or grill. Cook the burgers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them regularly.
Step 8: Grill the Mortadella and Toast the Buns
Grill the mortadella until crisp, shaping it into a circle with tongs. Slice the brioche buns and toast them on the barbecue.
Step 9: Prepare for Serving
Cut the tomato into thick slices. Spread 1 tablespoon of basil mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Add a slice of tomato, a slice of mortadella, and some rocket. Place the burger on top, add a dollop of balsamic onions, cover with the top half of the bun, and serve.
Notes
Note 1: Cooking Time
Ensure to monitor the cooking time for the burgers and adjust based on your grill or barbecue.
Note 2: Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the mayo and balsamic onion mix according to your taste preferences.
Note 3: Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair well with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Note 4: Storage
Leftover mayo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cook techniques
Roasting Onions
Wrap the red onion in kitchen foil and roast in the oven or cook directly in coals until soft, enhancing its natural sweetness.
Making Homemade Mayo
Separate the egg yolk and whisk until fluffy, then slowly incorporate both oils to create a thick, emulsified mayo. Adjust consistency with lemon juice if necessary.
Seasoning and Shaping Burgers
Season the mince with salt and pepper, divide into portions, and shape into patties, encasing cheese for a gooey center.
Grilling Burgers
Cook formed patties on a grill or barbecue, turning regularly for even cooking, resulting in a juicy burger.
Crisping Mortadella
Grill the mortadella until crispy, providing a savory texture and flavor contrast to the burger.
Building the Burger
Layer ingredients thoughtfully on the bun, ensuring a balance of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall burger experience.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of buffalo mozzarella?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your preferred cheese, keeping in mind the melting characteristics.
How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature or ensure the juices run clear when cut.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
You can swap it for red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the mayo ahead of time?
Yes, homemade mayo can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days; just ensure it’s well-covered.
What side dishes go well with these burgers?
Consider serving with fries, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This delicious burger recipe brings together the rich flavors of buffalo mince, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic onions, all complemented by a fresh basil mayo. The combination of textures and tastes makes for an unforgettable meal perfect for gatherings or an indulgent dinner at home.
Cheesy Mushroom Burgers
Substitute the buffalo mozzarella with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Spicy Guacamole Burgers
Top the burgers with spicy guacamole instead of balsamic onions for a creamy and zesty twist.
Caprese-Style Burger
Layer fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, and balsamic reduction for a fresh Caprese-inspired burger.
BBQ Bacon Blue Cheese Burgers
Add crispy bacon and crumbled blue cheese for a smoky, savory flavor profile.
Avocado and Chipotle Burger
Spread mashed avocado on the bun and add chipotle sauce for a smoky kick.
Pesto and Grilled Peppers Burger
Spread basil pesto on the bun and add grilled bell peppers for an Italian flair.
