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The Secret To Mastering Burgers, Sausage, and Meatballs | Techniquely with Lan Lam

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The classic American burger has its roots in the late 19th century, evolving from German immigrants' recipes for minced beef. As a staple of American cuisine, burgers symbolize casual dining and social gatherings, often enjoyed at barbecues and pubs. Today, variations abound, with gourmet toppings and plant-based options gaining popularity, making the humble burger a versatile favorite worldwide.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • burger buns
  • cheddar cheese
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • onion
  • pickles
  • ketchup
  • mustard
  • mayonnaise
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. 3Form the beef into patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.
  4. 4Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side.
  5. 5Flip the patties and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each.
  6. 6Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers are cooked to desired doneness.
  7. 7Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a separate pan for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  8. 8Spread mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on the bottom half of each bun.
  9. 9Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and onion rings on the bottom bun.
  10. 10Add the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on top of the vegetables.
  11. 11Top with pickles and place the top half of the bun over the burger.
  12. 12Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while still providing flavor.

burger buns

Healthier: whole grain buns

Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns add fiber and nutrients.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

Techniques

grillingpan-frying

Equipment

grillskilletspatulamixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Pub BurgersClassic Burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 head of napa cabbage, leaves separated

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, green onions, water chestnuts, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  2. 2Form the mixture into large meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. 3In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
  5. 5In the same pot, add the napa cabbage leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
  6. 6Return the meatballs to the pot, add chicken broth, and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
  7. 7In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot to thicken the sauce.
  8. 8Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  9. 9Serve the meatballs on a bed of napa cabbage, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Equipment

large bowlpotspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

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