Smoky BBQ & Avocado Beef Burger

Ingredients

For the Smoky BBQ Sauce
• 1 large onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 200 grams tomato sauce (preferably a thick variety)
• 50 milliliters apple cider vinegar
• 40 grams brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• to taste grams salt
• to taste grams black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Burger Patties
• 600 grams beef steak (minced if necessary) (preferably with 20% fat content)
• to taste grams salt
• to taste grams black pepper
For the Toppings
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 3 each burger buns (preferably brioche or sesame seed)

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Smoky BBQ Sauce: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

   Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing it; keep an eye on it and stir frequently.

2. 2. Form and Season the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty about 2 cm thick. Make a slight indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent dome shapes while cooking.

   Ensure not to overmix the beef, which can make the patties tough.

3. 3. Grill the Burger Patties: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the burger patties and grill for about 4-5 minutes without moving them to create a nice crust. Flip the patties and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C for medium-rare. Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before assembling the burgers.

   Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Ensure the burgers are well-cooked for safe consumption.

4. 4. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a frying pan for about 1 minute until golden. Place a grilled beef patty on the bottom half of each bun. Generously spoon the smoky BBQ sauce on top of each patty. Layer with avocado slices. Close the burgers with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately.

   The buns can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them while toasting.