Gourmet Burger Recipe

This is my all time favorite gourmet burger recipe, and it comes courtesy of internationally acclaimed chef, Jamie Oliver.

The real secret to a truly magnificent burger is in the choice and quality of the meat, and the amount of fat that it contains. Don't be tempted to buy the more expensive very lean cuts or indeed the cheap, fatty variety. Instead opt for coarsely ground (minced) chuck, round or sirloin.

Jamie adds bread to his gourmet burger recipe, but if you prefer a more meaty burger, that can be reduced or omitted completely.

Gourmet food........the EASY way!

Gourmet Hamburger

by Jamie Oliver

INGREDIENTS
Makes 4 to 6 burgers

For the burger mix:
olive oil
2 medium red onions, peeled & finely chopped
4 slices bread, crusts removed (optional)
1lb/500g good quality, lean ground (minced) beef
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 heaped teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic, beaten
handful freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the spicy mayo:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
good pinch smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
juice ½ lemon

To serve:
12 rashers smoked streaky bacon, the best quality that you can afford
4 to 6 really good buns
1 soft round lettuce, leaves washed & spun dry
4 tomatoes, sliced
dill pickled cucumbers or gherkins
few pickled chilies

METHOD

• Put a splash of olive oil into a large frying pan over a low heat and add the chopped onions. Fry for about 10 minutes until softened. Put to one side to cool completely.
  

• Add the bread to a food processor and blend until you get a fine consistency.
  

• Put the cooled onions into a large bowl along with the rest of the burger ingredients.
  

• Wash your hand thoroughly before using them to scrunch the ingredients together really well.
  

• Divide the mix into 4 to 6 balls, then wet your hands and flatten the balls into burger-shaped patties about ¾ inch/2cm thick.
  

• Place the burgers onto a lightly oiled baking tray and pat with a little olive oil. Cover the burgers with cling film and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the patties to firm up.

So now you have completed the bulk of this gourmet burger recipe, all that remains is to prepare the accompaniments, cook the burgers, and serve.......

• Preheat a barbecue or if cooking indoors, preheat a lightly oiled large frying pan or griddle pan.
  

• To prepare the spicy mayo, put all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Then put to one side.
  

• However you decide to cook your burgers, they will require around 3 to 4 minutes each side.
  

• When the burgers are almost cooked on the one side, add the bacon rashers to the barbecue or pan. Flip the burgers and cook the bacon until crisp. Once the bacon is ready put onto a plate with kitchen paper to drain any fat.
  

• Split the burger buns in half and warm through on the barbecue or in the pan.
  

• Finally assemble your burgers with the toppings and spicy mayo.

This fabulous gourmet burger recipe is so easy to prepare and makes a wonderful main dish for a summer barbecue or an Independence Day party.

To go from Jamie Oliver's gourmet burger recipe to
Summer Barbecue Menu
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