So the foodie world is totally geared up for the arrival of autumn – evidenced by the myriad of pumpkin and slow cooker recipes that are popping up on blogs everywhere. But before I give in, (as tempting as it is), I still have a few more summer goodies to share with you.
Living in Florida, we are so lucky to be able to grill all year long. My husband and I love challenging each other to think “outside the box” instead of relying on our “tried ‘n true” grilling favorites. Our most recent burger creation is a “twist on the traditional” adding Asian-inspired ingredients to the burger mix. (for more yummy burgers to try look here)
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Quite flavorful on their own, we punched up the fun factor by adding slices of grilled pineapple and red onion, topping the burgers with sweet-tangy Asian Kale ‘n Pineapple Slaw and drizzling each with yummy Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce. Hope you enjoy our latest grilling experiment as much as we did!
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Recipe Inspired by: Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications-Low Calorie, p. 61, 2014
Grilled Asian Burgers
Yield: 6
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Click HERE for the full recipe, but in the nutshell, here is what you do:
Instructions
Prepare Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce.
Prepare Asian Kale ‘n Pineapple Slaw.
Prepare the Patties
In a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium setting. Sauté onions, peppers, garlic and ginger for about 7 minutes or until softened and nicely browned. (Stir frequently to prevent garlic and ginger from burning.) Set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine onion mixture with ground beef, cilantro (or parsley), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), Sriracha (if using) and Chinese 5-spice. (Note: if mixture seems too loose, stir in up to ½ cup ground oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs.)
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Grill the Burgers
For either gas or charcoal grills, lightly oil rack; prepare for medium heat. If desired, lightly salt burgers on both sides. (helps draw out flavors) Grill burgers (uncovered for charcoal, covered for gas) for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until desired level of doneness is reached. (135 to 150 degrees F for medium) Remove burgers to a platter. Allow burgers to rest, covered with foil for 5 minutes.
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Grill the Pineapple and Onion Slices
While the burgers are resting, place pineapple and onion slices on grill rack. Lightly brush with oil. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning once half-way through or until light grill marks appear. Remove to a platter. Cover with foil.
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Build Your Burger!
In whatever order you like, assemble burgers with lettuce leaves, pineapple, onion slices and Asian Kale ‘n Pineapple Slaw.
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Drizzle burgers with Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce. (or serve on the side). Top each burger with the other half of the roll or enjoy open-faced.
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Grilled Asian Burgers
Recipe Inspired by:Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications-Low Calorie , p. 61, 2014
Yield: 6 burgers
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion such as Vidalia, finely chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro optional (can also use parsley)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce or other hot sauce optional
- 2 teaspoons Chinese 5-spice powder
- Parchment or wax paper
- Kosher salt optional
- 1 whole pineapple peeled, cored and cut into 6 horizontal rings
- 1 large red onion cut into 6 horizontal slices
- Oil for grill rack
- Foil
- 6 large lettuce leaves
- 6 whole-grain buns cut in half (lightly grilled if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce according to recipe.
- Prepare Asian Kale ‘n Pineapple Slaw according to recipe.
Prepare the Patties
- In a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium setting. Sauté onions, peppers, garlic and ginger for about 7 minutes or until softened and nicely browned. (Stir frequently to prevent garlic and ginger from burning.) Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine onion mixture with ground beef, cilantro (or parsley), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), Sriracha (if using) and Chinese 5-spice. Note: if mixture seems too loose, stir in up to ½ cup ground oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs.)
- Form mixture into 6 patties. Place on a plate layered with parchment or wax paper. Cover patties; chill for 1 hour (or up to 1 day) to allow flavors to blend.
Grill the Burgers
- For either gas or charcoal grills, lightly oil rack; prepare for medium heat. If desired, lightly salt burgers on both sides. (helps draw out flavors) Grill burgers (uncovered for charcoal, covered for gas) for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until desired level of doneness is reached. (135 to 150 degrees F for medium) Remove burgers to a platter. Allow burgers to rest, covered for 5 minutes.
Grill the Pineapple and Onion Slices
- While the burgers are resting, place pineapple and onion slices on grill rack. Lightly brush with oil. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning once half-way through or until light grill marks appear. Remove to a platter. Cover with foil.
Build Your Burger
- In whatever order you like, assemble burgers with lettuce leaves, pineapple, onion slices and Asian Kale ‘n Pineapple Slaw.
- Drizzle burgers with Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce. (or serve on the side ). Top each burger with the other half of the roll or enjoy open-faced.
Notes
Notes
Timesaver: if you do not mind a crunchier texture with a somewhat stronger onion-garlic-ginger taste, skip the sautéing and add the onion, peppers, garlic and ginger directly to the meat mixture.
Grilling not an option? Burgers may also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan, following the same method.
For lots of useful burger grilling tips look here.
For another creative use of this amazing sauce try super-fun and easy to make: Chicken Satay with Tamari-Peanut Dip!
More Fun ‘n Yummy Burgers to Grill:
Coming to the Blog: Wave Bye-Bye to Summer with Grilled Chicken Salad ‘n Berry-Balsamic Vinaigrette
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Ceeya next Time!
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