Cook the Book: Paddington Burgers
This recipe crafts savory Paddington Burgers from extra-lean ground beef, enriched with sautéed onions, eggs, and a blend of seasonings. The patties are pan-fried and served with classic accompaniments like English mustard, lettuce, and tomato, offering a robust and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Skillet or Griddle For sautéing onions and cooking burgers
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion chopped and sautéed until well-browned
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Sautéed sliced onions for serving
- English mustard for serving
- Lettuce for serving
- Tomato slices for serving
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion and sauté in a skillet over medium-low heat until well-browned and caramelized, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-lean ground beef, cooled sautéed onion, eggs, fresh bread crumbs, tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to ensure tender patties.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form them into uniform burger patties, approximately 3/4-inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a little oil or fat.
- Cook the burger patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (e.g., internal temperature of 160°F for well-done).
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare the serving accompaniments: sauté additional sliced onions, and slice lettuce and tomatoes.
- Once cooked, remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the Paddington Burgers immediately on buns (if desired), topped with sautéed sliced onions, English mustard, lettuce, and tomato slices.
Notes
Achieving well-browned, caramelized onions is crucial for flavor; cook them slowly over medium-low heat until deeply golden. When mixing the burger ingredients, avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to a tough patty. Gently combine until just incorporated. Form patties uniformly to ensure even cooking. For extra richness, consider incorporating a tablespoon of butter into the skillet when cooking the burgers. Always rest burgers for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. The 'extra-lean' ground beef may require a touch more fat (like olive oil or clarified butter) in the pan to prevent sticking and aid browning.