Introduction
When it comes to a delicious homemade burger, the quality of the ingredients plays a pivotal role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor.
This recipe combines perfectly seasoned chuck steak patties with a refreshing slaw and crispy bacon, all served in a toasted bun with a hint of ketchup. It’s ideal for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
800g minced chuck steak
Olive oil
1 pinch of cumin seeds
4 slices of Canadian Cheddar cheese
4 burger buns
Tomato ketchup
For the slaw:
2 heaped tablespoons fat-free natural yoghurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon English mustard
1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ of a red cabbage
¼ of a white cabbage
1 small red onion
1 carrot
1 red eating apple
A few sprigs of fresh mint
½–1 fresh red chilli
2 gherkins
1 handful of baby spinach leaves
4 rashers of Certified Humane smoked streaky bacon
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
45 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 roughly 2cm wider than your buns. Place on an oiled plate and refrigerate to firm up.
2. Preheat the barbecue to high or place a griddle pan over high heat until very hot.
3. For the slaw, combine the yoghurt and both mustards in a large bowl. Squeeze in the lemon juice, pour in the extra virgin olive oil, and season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbages and peel the onion and carrot. Coarsely grate all the vegetables into the bowl of dressing, along with the apple.
5. Pick and finely slice the mint leaves, chilli (deseed if preferred), gherkins, and spinach. Add them to the bowl and set aside to toss together just before serving.
6. Season the burgers with a small pinch of salt, pepper, and the cumin seeds. Place them onto the barbecue or griddle pan.
7. Cook the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip them over. Place a slice of cheese on top of each one and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
8. Meanwhile, cook the bacon until sizzling and golden brown all over, then remove to kitchen paper to drain.
9. Once cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into small pieces, add to the slaw, then mix everything together. Taste and add a little more lemon juice or seasoning if needed.
10. Cut the burger buns in half and lightly toast them, cut-side down.
11. Spread a little tomato ketchup onto each base and place a burger on top. Add a dollop of slaw and the bun tops. Press down to squash all those delicious flavors together, and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Patties
Divide the minced chuck steak into four portions. With wet hands, roll each portion into a ball, then press into flat patties that are roughly 2cm wider than your burger buns. Place the patties on an oiled plate and refrigerate to firm up.
Step 2: Preheat Cooking Equipment
Preheat the barbecue to high or place a griddle pan over high heat until it is very hot.
Step 3: Make the Slaw Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the fat-free natural yoghurt, Dijon mustard, and English mustard. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, pour in the extra virgin olive oil, and season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Remove the outer leaves from the red cabbage and white cabbage. Peel the red onion and carrot. Coarsely grate all the vegetables into the bowl with the dressing, including the red eating apple.
Step 5: Add Fresh Ingredients to the Slaw
Pick and finely slice the fresh mint leaves. Finely slice the red chilli (deseeding is optional), gherkins, and spinach. Add these ingredients to the bowl and set aside to toss together just before serving.
Step 6: Season and Cook the Burgers
Season the burger patties with a small pinch of salt, pepper, and the cumin seeds. Place them onto the preheated barbecue or griddle pan.
Step 7: Cooking the Burgers
Cook the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip them over. Place a slice of Canadian Cheddar cheese on top of each burger and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked to your preference.
Step 8: Cook the Bacon
In a separate pan, cook the streaky bacon until it is sizzling and golden brown all over. Once cooked, remove it to kitchen paper to drain excess grease.
Step 9: Combine the Slaw and Bacon
Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it into small pieces. Add the chopped bacon to the slaw mixture and mix everything together. Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning or add more lemon juice if needed.
Step 10: Toast the Burger Buns
Cut the burger buns in half and lightly toast them, cut-side down, until golden.
Step 11: Assemble the Burgers
Spread a little tomato ketchup onto each base of the toasted burger buns. Place a cooked burger on top of the ketchup, add a generous dollop of slaw, and position the bun tops. Press down to combine all those delicious flavors together, and enjoy!
Notes
Preparation Tips
Make sure to refrigerate the burger patties for adequate firmness before cooking. This helps them maintain their shape and texture.
Slaw Variation
Feel free to customize the slaw by adding other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added texture.
Cooking Preference
Adjust the cooking time of the burgers according to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer if available to check for accurate cooking temperatures.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based burger patties and bacon substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair well with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Shaping the Patties
Rolling the minced chuck steak into balls and then pressing them into flat patties helps ensure uniform cooking and a great texture. Using wet hands prevents the meat from sticking to your hands.
Preheating Cooking Surface
Whether using a barbecue or a griddle pan, preheating is crucial for achieving a good sear on the burgers. A hot surface locks in juices, giving the burger a delicious crust.
Making Slaw Dressing
Combining yoghurt with both Dijon and English mustard creates a creamy and tangy dressing. Adding lemon juice adds freshness, while olive oil enriches the flavor.
Grating Vegetables
Coarse grating the cabbage, onion, carrot, and apple allows them to integrate well with the dressing, enhancing texture and flavor in the slaw.
Adding Flavor to Slaw
Incorporating fresh mint, chilli, gherkins, and spinach provides vibrant taste and color to the slaw. Fine slicing ensures even distribution of flavors.
Seasoning the Burgers
Seasoning the burger patties with salt, pepper, and cumin seeds enhances their flavor profile. Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Cooking the Burgers
Cooking the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side allows for a perfect balance of crust and juiciness. Adding cheese towards the end ensures it melts appropriately without overcooking the burger.
Cooking Bacon
Sizzling the bacon until it is golden brown ensures maximum crispiness. Draining on kitchen paper helps remove excess fat for a lighter texture in the slaw.
Toasting Burger Buns
Lightly toasting the burger buns enhances their flavor and creates a sturdier base for holding all the ingredients together without becoming soggy.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?
Yes, you can substitute minced chuck steak with other types of ground meat like beef sirloin, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives.
How can I make the slaw spicier?
You can add more fresh red chilli or include hot sauce in the dressing for an extra kick.
What if I don’t have natural yoghurt?
You can substitute natural yoghurt with sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the more delicate ingredients like mint and spinach close to serving time to keep them fresh.
How do I store leftover burgers and slaw?
Store any leftover burgers and slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume them within 2-3 days for best quality.
Can I freeze the burger patties?
Yes, uncooked burger patties can be frozen. Place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Conclusion
The combination of juicy chuck steak burgers topped with Canadian Cheddar cheese, alongside a tangy, crunchy slaw infused with fresh ingredients and smoky bacon, creates a deliciously satisfying meal. The effort put into preparing the slaw complements the rich flavors of the burgers, resulting in a delightful dining experience that invites you to savor each bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chicken Burger
Swap the chuck steak for minced chicken. Season it with paprika and chili flakes, and serve with pepper jack cheese and a jalapeño slaw.
Vegetarian Black Bean Burger
Use black beans and quinoa to create a hearty vegetarian patty. Top with avocado slices and a zesty lime-cilantro slaw for a fresh twist.
Herbed Lamb Burger
Replace the beef with minced lamb and add fresh herbs like rosemary and mint. Serve with feta cheese and a cucumber-yogurt dressing.
Bacon Avocado Burger
Top the chuck steak burger with crispy bacon and slices of fresh avocado. Add a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Use slow-cooked pulled pork instead of burgers. Top with coleslaw and serve on a buttery brioche bun with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
