Weekends are made for BURGERS!

I accept every out door bbq and burger invite. The sight and smell of that grill.............drools.........

Okay! Reality check! I don't have a grill and neither am I a fan of being smoked. I really crave a burger right now and with the COVID-19 restrictions, my invite to summer socialization is in the negatives.
Time to improvise.

Grabbing mask, grocery store runs.
As I jaywalk along the aisle, I think to myself, do I really want to make the patty myself or simply get a pre-packed patty?
Turns on the phone and consults my to-do list. Exercise is dusted, house squeaky clean. All left to do today is visit the driving range.
Grabs 93% lean meat. There is nothing wrong in building some muscles while marinating and making the patty. I just have to silence the scream for joy from my stomach and endure some patience.

Ingredients
Minced meat (I like the highest percentage of lean meat I find which is usually 93%. if you want a juicier patty, go for a lesser percentage of lean meat.)
Scallions
Spices
Buns
Olive oil
Lettuce
Garlic
Onions
Mushrooms
Egg
Spices
Tomatoes
Cheese
Butter / mayonnaise / burger spread (just a mix of things you like).

Method
Burger patty
Marinate the minced meat with spices of choice, chopped scallions and some pepper flakes. Add an egg to bind the meat into patties, mold to desired size and shape.
Heat some olive oil  in a cast iron skillet, add the patty and some butter. Sear both sides of the patty till cooked usually about 3 minutes each. Lay a slice of cheese over the seared patty and place in an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees for an additional 5 minutes. I like my meat well done. If you like it juicy, searing a lower percentage lean meat patty in the skillet will suffice. Just lay your slice of cheese over the surface of the seared patty till it melts and set aside.

Bun
Toast the bun till brown on the internal surface. You can do this in the oven or with a hot skillet. Lay your favorite mix / butter / spread over the toasted surface. I like it simple with butter or mayonnaise. A burger is calorie dense so, I try not to over complicate it.


Sauteed mushroom side
Saute some finely copped garlic and onion in hot olive oil till translucent. Add some sliced mushroom and keep sauteing for about 5 minutes. Simmer the mushrooms in some cooking wine. When reduced, add your favorite bbq sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Build your burger. 
I am not a food engineer so, I have built my burgers in multiple ways to find the most stable. Now I understand the true meaning of a solid foundation. I could have used YouTube but hey, where is the fun in failing?

My favorite - Bottom bun with spread, lettuce, a ring of onion, mushroom sauce, patty with cheese face up, slice of tomato, lettuce, top bun with spread.

Note: the sauted mushroom gives my burger the juice it needs to go down my throat.

Masticate and be merry!!!!!!!!

I know the joy of the meal will trump the heap of dishes in the sink.
#looksaway.


 
Second attempt which was juicy. Thanks to the mushroom sauce and just 5 minutes in the oven.


My very first burger attempt. The dryness could have landed me in the hospital for choking. Wouldn't it be hilarious to pay medical expenses for choking on your own burger? 

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