Toasty Burgers Recipes

Steps:

• I think the taste and the texture of buns are best when lightly toasted. To toast a bun on a grill, grill pan, or griddle, split the bun open, place it cut side down on the grill, and grill until light golden brown, about 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can place the split bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet and cook them under a preheated broiler until light golden brown, about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye on them and don't let them get too brown or else that texture will take on a life of its own and defeat the purpose of starting with a soft bun.

Steps:

• Divide the beef into 2 patties, each about ¾-inch (2 cm) thick and 3 ½ inches (9 cm) in diameter. Transfer the patties to a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Remove the patties from the fridge and season on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to evenly coat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook, undisturbed, on the first side for 5 minutes, until a brown crust forms.
• Flip the patties, top each with a slice of cheese (optional), and cook, undisturbed, until the patties are browned on the other side, the cheese is melted, and the meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes more for medium-well doneness.
• Remove the patties from the pan and transfer to a clean cutting board. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
• Place the burger patties on buns and serve with your favorite toppings and sauces.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Make the whiskey-caramelized onions: In a large, high-walled skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add the whiskey and salt and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit until ready to use.
• Make the roasted orange mustard: Turn the broiler on high.
• Use a sharp knife to remove the peel from the orange, then slice the orange crosswise into ½-inch rounds. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Broil the orange slices until they begin to brown and crisp on the top, about 10 minutes.
• Remove the oranges from the oven and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly. Use a potato masher to mash the juice from the oranges, and then strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the flesh to extract as much juice as possible. You should have about ¼ cup of roasted orange juice.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and bitters until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Make the smash burgers: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
• Divide the ground beef into 8 4-ounce portions, being careful not to work the meat too much.
• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and coriander.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Pour the olive oil into the hot pan. Place 2 portions of ground beef, or as many as will fit without overcrowding, in the pan and use a flat metal spatula to flatten into patties. Use the back of a wooden spoon to press the spatula more firmly to flatten each patty even more. Season each patty generously with the salt mixture. Once the patties turn golden brown on the bottoms and the edges are crispy, about 2 minutes, flip and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Top each patty with 1 slice of American cheese and let melt, about 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining ground beef.
• Assemble the burgers: Place the intact burger buns on a baking sheet. Brush the top of each bun with beaten egg, then sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Transfer to the oven and bake until the egg wash turns golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Open the buns and place ¼ cup of shredded lettuce on each bottom bun, followed by 2 tomato slices, a patty, ¼ cup caramelized onions, and a second patty. Spread 2 tablespoons of the orange mustard over the undersides of the top buns, then place on top of the burgers. Serve with old fashioneds.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Make the pickled red onions: In a small pot, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, peppercorns, and coriander seeds, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Turn off the heat and add the sliced onion, making sure they are fully submerged. Let cool to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Make the Thousand Island Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, garlic, and vinegar.
• In a large bowl, season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix until evenly combined.
• Divide the beef into 4 8-ounce portions and form into patties. Place on a cutting board. Use your thumb to press a divot into the center of each burger.
• Heat the grapeseed oil in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the burger patties and cook for 3-4 minutes, without disturbing, until browned.
• Use a spatula to flip the burgers over and place a slice of cheddar on each one. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the burgers are cooked through and cheese has melted.
• Place on sesame buns and top with the pickled red onions, Thousand Island Dressing, tomato, and lettuce. Serve with French fries.
• Enjoy!