Contrary to what your mother always told you, there’s no harm in playing with your food. These recipes highlight the amazing versatility of that American staple, the hamburger. Don’t cover that outdoor grill just yet!
Remember the Alamo Burger
Combine good ol’ Texas ground chuck and ground sirloin to form the patties. Make a spice rub by mixing:
1 tablespoon ground coffee
2 teaspoons fresh-ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons packed, golden brown sugar
(See toppings below.)
Rub one side of each patty with about 1 teaspoon of spice rub and grill to desired doneness.
Top these delicious burgers with Applewood-smoked bacon and smoked Gouda cheese slices. Add red onion, tomatoes, and a generous smear of Texas barbecue sauce, and say howdy.
Touch-of-Class Burger
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup drained capers
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
Kosher salt to taste
Monterrey Jack cheese
English muffins
Slowly saute the onion slices in 2 tablespoons of canola oil until they’re deep gold, about 20 minutes. Season with salt.
In a food processor, pulse the mayonnaise, capers, mustard, lemon juice, and water until well-mixed. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the remaining ¼ cup of canola oil until the sauce thickens.
Serve the burgers with onions and the elegant sauce on English muffins.
Crack of Noon Burger
1 ½ pounds 80% lean ground sirloin
2 tablespoons grated onion
2 gloves garlic, grated
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4 slices American cheese
4 fried eggs
Pickled jalapeno slices
Combine the sirloin, onion, garlic, chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties and grill, adding the cheese to melt at the end of cooking. Keep the patties warm, and fry the eggs in a skillet on the grill, or stove. Top each burger with jalapeno slices for eye-opening flavor any time of day.
East Meets West Burger
1 ½ pounds ground chuck
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon hot sesame oil
1 heaping teaspoon finely chopped gingerroot
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Form 4 patties, grill to perfection, ditch the chopsticks, and enjoy on your favorite bread.
The key to great grilling is quality beef. Online suppliers, like Fatty’s Burgers & More, will deliver the finest products to your door and eliminate your run to the store. Here’s another tip: Making an indentation with your thumb in the center of the patty ensures an even cooking.
There’s still plenty of time to wow your guests with backyard fare kicked up a notch, so make sure you have room for these recipes on your grill list.
