RestaurantsGhost DonkeyReserve Burger Recipe

Reserve Burger Recipe

Inspired by Ghost Donkey
Time30m
Serves2

Comte Singles, B&B Pickles, Iceberg Lettuce, Sherry Aioli

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SELBY CAESAR

Worcestershire, lime, hot sauce, Clamato, Cascade Celery bitters, spirit of choice

spicy · tangy · umami

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Method

Burger Patties & Cooking

1

Form patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each into a loose patty about 3.5–4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight dimple in the center to reduce doming during cooking. Do not overwork the meat.

2

Season

Pat both sides of each patty dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on each side (use the listed total salt and pepper evenly across both patties).

3

Preheat pan

Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat until very hot, about 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl to coat.

4

Sear and cook

Place the patties in the hot skillet. Sear without moving for 3 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium-rare to medium (adjust time ±1 minute for doneness). In the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, reduce heat to medium-low, place 1 slice of Comté on each patty and cover with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese.

5

Rest

Remove patties to a plate and let rest 3–4 minutes while you finish the buns and assemble.

Sherry Aioli

6

Make the aioli while the pan is heating or up to a day ahead. In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon dry sherry, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste, adjusting salt or sherry as desired. Chill until ready to use.

Toppings, Buns & Assembly

7

Toast buns

Spread the inside of the bun with the tablespoon of softened butter. Place cut side down in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven under a broiler until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

8

Arrange toppings

On the bottom bun spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of sherry aioli. Place one iceberg lettuce leaf (trim to fit) on top of the aioli, then place the cheese-topped patty on the lettuce. Top the patty with 3 slices of B&B pickles arranged evenly. Add a light swipe (about 1/2 tablespoon) of additional aioli to the top bun, then close the burger.

9

Serve

Serve immediately while the burger is warm and cheese is melty. Optionally serve with extra pickles and your choice of side. Leftover aioli keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days.

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