Amazing Burgers

Adapted from this burger recipe and Chef Gunyan's cooking class.  Chef insists that to make a good burger/sandwich you have to think about each of the components.

Toppings:

Pickle slices

Lettuce slices

Tomatoes--slice thin and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.  Set aside while making burgers

Pickled red onions

Ketchup or fry sauce

Quick pickled red onions

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 t salt
• 1 t sugar
• 1 clove of garlic (slice or diced)

Directions

In a small saucepan mix all the ingredients, stir and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat, add thinly sliced red onions.  Stir.  Cover with pot lid.  And let sit for 20+ minutes while making and grilling burgers.

Burgers:

• 2 pounds ground beef (we like 90/10 the recipe recommends 80/20)
• 2 t seasoned salt
• 2 T A-1 sauce or BBQ sauce
• 1 t freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup room temperature water

Directions

In a small bowl mix all the ingredients together until well combined (I usually use my hands).  Form the beef into patties about 1/2-inch thick and slightly larger then the buns.  Refrigerate covered loosely with saran wrap until ready to grill.

Preheat grill over high to medium-high heat for 15+ minutes.  Turn heat down to medium high and grill about 6 minutes on each side (this is for just the slightest bit of pink).  If you want to toast the buns, during the last 2 minutes of grilling butter the inside of the buns and place on the grill to toast while the burgers finish cooking.  

Serve on a toasted whole wheat bun and top with lettuce, amazing tomatoes and pickled red onions (see above).