Thai Turkey Burgers

I love Thai food. I love burgers. So, I thought this recipe could be a good one when I came across it. As you know, I am a stickler for adding moisture to turkey burgers so they do not dry out, and this recipe has a great paste of shallot, cilantro, ginger, jalapeno and fish sauce. The fish sauce really gives it great moisture – then the spicy mayo gives another great element.

Instead of Sriracha I used a sweet spicy sauce (called sweet chili sauce) so I would recommend using whatever Asian sauce you have, really!

I made this with an Asian slaw I came up with on a whim. I just took a bag of pre-cut slaw and added a dose of the sweet/hot Asian mayo to it along with some cilantro and ground peanuts. Tasted great!

We will be making this one again. It is a great twist on burgers (and is healthier than beef!). Thanks to Food & Wine for this great recipe!

THAI TURKEY BURGERS
4 Servings

1 small shallot, quartered
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Two 1/4-inch-thick slices of peeled fresh ginger
1 jalapeño, stemmed and seeded
1 1/2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
Vegetable oil, for brushing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Sriracha or other Asian hot sauce
4 brioche or kaiser rolls, split and toasted
Bread-and-butter pickles, lettuce, mint leaves and chopped peanuts, for serving

In a mini food processor, pulse the shallot, cilantro, ginger and jalapeño with the fish sauce until chopped. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and knead in the turkey. Using slightly moistened hands, form the meat into four 4-inch patties, about 3/4 inch thick.

Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the burgers with oil and grill over moderately high heat, turning once, until golden and crusty and just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the Sriracha. Spread the mixture on the rolls. Top with the burgers, pickles, lettuce, mint and peanuts, close and serve.

Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar with Roasted Fingerling Potato Salad

So I have always been curious about bison. Everyone says it is leaner, healthier and some people even say more delicious than its beef alternative. And, as you know, I will try just about anything once. So, we thought one night we would give it a try.

Whole Foods has ground bison almost all the time so I would start there. Took me two other grocery stores in Cincinnati before I found it, so learn from my mistakes.

I don’t know if it was the way the bison was seasoned, the Cabernet onions on top or that wonderful, summer grill taste, but they were fantastic. My husband said it was officially his favorite burger I make. This would be a good one for a party, too, because it has that wow factor – especially with the onions. It calls for white cheddar and although I bought some for the occasion, I totally forgot to put it on top. It was great regardless, but I am definitely going to include it next time.

I served it with this roasted potato salad, which was fantastic. The salad felt a bit lighter (no mayo, etc.) so it went well with the burger.

Both recipes are from Bon Appetit. If you are curious about bison, I would give it a try with this simple recipe!

BISON BURGERS WITH CABERNET ONIONS AND WISCONSIN CHEDDAR
Makes 4 Servings

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups sliced onions (about 2)
3/4 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry red wine
1 pound ground bison (buffalo)
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
4 organic hamburger buns
6 ounces sliced Wisconsin white cheddar cheese
Dijon mustard
1 small head of escarole, leaves separated

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium skillet over medium- high heat. Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until tender and golden brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and continue to sauté until very tender and well browned, about 15 minutes longer. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cool, cover, and chill.

Preheat grill. Gently mix meat and next 3 ingredients in large bowl. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Grill burgers until desired temperature.

Open buns and arrange, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Place cheese slices on bun tops. Grill until cheese melts and bottom halves are lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Spread bottom halves with mustard. Top each with a few escarole leaves, then burger. Spoon onions atop burgers, dividing equally. Cover with bun tops; press lightly.

ROASTED FINGERLING POTATO SALAD
Makes 6 servings

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing
1 1/2 pounds 1-inch-diameter fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons Banyuls vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon coarse-grained Dijon mustard
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped (I omitted this ingredient, but feel free to add if you wish!)

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Brush heavy large rimmed baking sheet with oil. Place potatoes and 2 tablespoons oil in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss. Arrange potatoes, cut side down, on prepared baking sheet. Roast until potatoes are brown on cut side, about 23 minutes. Using tongs, turn potatoes over. Roast until crisp, deep golden, and tender, about 12 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir green onions, parsley, tarragon, vinegar, mustard, and 2 teaspoons oil in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer potatoes to dish. Spoon chopped eggs and herb salad over. Mix if you wish.

Pancetta Cheeseburgers with Tomato, Basil and White Bean Salad

I wouldn’t consider myself a burger grilling master but I know the basics.

I know to buy the chuck (80/20) for its fat content (making the burger juicier). I know not to touch the burgers for a while (resisting the urge to take a peak) so it doesn’t crumble when you try to flip. And I know to make the patties with a small dent in the middle so they don’t end up with a bubble on top.

But, what I didn’t know was that I think, for all these years, I have been buying the wrong meat. 80/20 chuck is certainly the right meat, but I think pre-packaged was the wrong move. Sure, it is cheaper and easier, but I am not sure it makes for the best burger. When I tried these Martha Stewart Pancetta Cheeseburgers I went to Fresh Market and bought fresh ground chuck (to order), and not only was the color of the meat magnificent, but it was probably the best ground chuck I have ever had.

Not to mention this particular recipe is a clear winner – it has a bit of a kick, lots of flavor and a great crunch with the baked pancetta. My only alteration would be to perhaps make more than one pancetta piece per burger (ok, I know it isn’t the healthiest alteration but pancetta might be the best thing on the planet!). In addition, the bean salad that was recommended to be served alongside the burgers was fantastic, and is a great summer dish. I also couldn’t find fontina at my store so I used provolone. I don’t know if it was better or not, but I do know it was darn good.

Happy grilling!

PANCETTA CHEESEBURGERS
Serves 4

4 thin slices pancetta (I would even recommend 8 if you love pancetta like me!)
1 1/4 pounds ground chuck
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Freshly ground pepper
4 ounces fontina cheese, thinly sliced
4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pancetta on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, flipping the slices halfway through, until crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Meanwhile, using your hands, combine ground chuck, salt, chili powder, and paprika in a bowl, and season with pepper. Shape into 4 patties (about 4 inches in diameter).

Preheat grill to medium. (If you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 5 to 6 seconds.) Grill burgers 4 to 5 minutes. Flip burgers, and top with cheese. Grill 3 to 4 minutes more for medium-rare. Remove, and let rest 5 minutes. Top burgers with pancetta, and serve on buns.

TOMATO, BASIL and WHITE BEAN SALAD
Serves 4

2 cans (19 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 pound small roma (plum) tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 small garlic cloves, minced

Combine beans, tomatoes, basil, and salt in a bowl, and season with pepper.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Pour over bean mixture, and gently toss. Let stand 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Salad can be covered and kept at room temperature up to 4 hours.

Grilled Turkey Burgers with Cheddar and Smoky Aioli

Anyone who has tried to substitute beef for turkey in a burger knows that keeping it moist can be a bit challenging. Sure, it is by far healthier, but can you still get a good flavor?

I will admit, I was starting to give up, until I found this recipe in Bon Appetit. Added to the turkey is a smoky aioli which gives the burgers amazing moistness and flavor. Give this one a whirl if you aren’t a fan of the healthier turkey burger – it might make you a believer.

GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS WITH CHEDDAR AND SMOKY AIOLI
Serves 4

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (or use ground)
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds (or use ground)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 pound ground dark-meat turkey
4 slices white cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
4 sesame-seed hamburger buns

Toast cumin seeds and coriander seeds in small skillet over medium-high heat until aromatic and slightly darker in color, shaking skillet often, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cool. Finely grind toasted seeds in spice grinder or in mortar with pestle. Whisk mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and ground spices in small bowl. Season aioli to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Aioli can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Place turkey in medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons aioli; mix gently. Using damp hands, divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then form each into scant 3/4-inch thick patty, about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Using thumb, make small indentation in center of each burger. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper. Grill turkey burgers 5 minutes. Turn over; grill until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. Top each burger with 1 cheese slice and grill until meat is cooked through and cheese melts, about 1 minute longer. Place 1 turkey burger on each of 4 bun bottoms. Top each with dollop of aioli and whatever else you would like on your burger. Cover burgers with bun tops.