Is there anything better than a chargrilled burger over a campfire? We think NOT!
Is it time to change it up a little considering all the specialty burgers that are appearing on menus?
INGREDIENTS FOR THE BURGER – do your thing as far as mixture of lamb, pork, chicken or beef, etc. and then take a look at the options below and get creative!
1 egg
1 teaspoon mustard (regular or Dijon)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1
small onion, finely grated 1 clove garlic, minced ⁄ teaspoon salt ⁄ teaspoon pepper
1 lb medium ground beef
Lightly oil grill & heat BBQ to medium.
Whisk egg in a bowl & add next 6 ingredients.
Add any of the “optional tastes” that appeal to you.
Crumble in beef & using your hands or a fork, gently mix together.
Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets.
Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers about ¾ inch thick.
Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the centre of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Place burgers on the grill, close lid & BBQ until NO LONGER PINK INSIDE for safety, turning once, about 4 – 6 minutes. Obviously, doneness is your choice
minutes per side.
OPTIONAL TASTES
Mediterranean Flavors
1 tablespoon creamy caesar salad dressing or 1 tablespoon Greek salad dressing
1 tablespoon chopped sundried tomato
1 tablespoon sour cream or 1 tablespoon yoghurt
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Tropical Flavors
1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon rind or 1 tablespoon lime rind
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
Southern Flavors
1 tablespoon ketchup or 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon fresh herb or mixture of herbs to your liking
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
Sprinkle Blackening Seasoning on Top
Asian Flavors
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice
1 tablespoon grated ginger root
1 fresh jalapeno or 1 pickled jalapeno pepper,chopped
What to Put on Top?
When it comes to toppings, you can match them to the optional flavor profile you chose.
For example, the Mediterranean flavor, feta is an obvious choice for cheese and a tzatziki sauce is a must!
A Southern flavor burger might have pimento cheese on top! The Asian culture doesn’t include cheese, so for that flavor profile think of an Asian slaw, bean sprouts, etc. Get the idea?
There’s nothing like a burger cooked over a campfire grill! Step up your game with these ideas and get ready for the compliments!
