BEEF BURGERS
I rarely eat beef, but when I do, it must be something special, like these delicious beef burgers. They are outrageously easy to make, so I'm surprised people buy them in. The trick is to use minced beef with a high fat percentage, I'm afraid. I'm fussy when it comes to condiments, so I have paired this with a gorgeous chilli jam, which is optional.
INGREDIENTS
Serves 4
FOR THE BURGERS
500g 20% fat beef mince
50g breadcrumbs
3 spring onions, very finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
Leaves from a few sprigs of fresh thyme
1 egg
1tbsp tomato puree
1tbsp light soy sauce
1/4tsp salt
1/4tsp black pepper
FOR THE CHILLI JAM (OPTIONAL)
200g tomato passata
1 red chilli, finely chopped
1cm piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
125g light brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
TO SERVE
4 brioche burger buns
Handful of fresh rocket
4 cheese slices
METHOD
1
If making the chilli jam, start off with this. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan (important as this likes to spit a bit!), and allow to bubble away over medium heat for 25 minutes, or until thick and jammy in consistency. Stir frequently to ensure it doesn't catch on the bottom. Set aside.
2
For the burgers, combine the beef mince, breadcrumbs, spring onion, garlic, thyme, egg, tomato puree, soy sauce, salt and pepper. The easiest way to do this is with clean hands! Once it's all combined, form into four equal sized balls, and shape into burger patties. Set aside until you're ready to cook them!
3
Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your burgers. Fry for 5 minutes a side, then cover the pan, reduce the heat, and allow to cook for a final 5 minutes.
4
Serve as desired. I like to slice my bun in half and toast it under a hot grill, then assemble as follows; chilli jam, a handful of fresh rocket, the burger bun, and a slice of cheese. I return this to the grill for a few seconds until the cheese has melted. Sandwich together and enjoy!
Serving Suggestion
As with all burgers, these are best served with some wedges or fries.
icheffedit Tip