Michael Symons Fat Doug Burgers Recipes

BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you're not using an outdoor grill, preheat a second grill pan over medium heat (for a side griddle).
• Gently mix together the brisket, short rib and sirloin in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 equal pieces and gently form into burgers, being careful not to pack too tightly.
• Season both sides of the burgers with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• When the grill or first grill pan is at medium-high, place the burgers on the grill and cook to your desired temperature, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Add a piece of cheese to each burger and cook for another minute or so until it is melted.
• In the meantime, spread the mayo on the cut side of the buns and place them over medium heat or on the secondary grill pan to toast.
• Build the burgers by placing a burger on each bottom bun and top with 2 pieces of bacon, some red onion, pickles and mustard.

BEEF AND CHORIZO STUFFED BURGERS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• For the caramelized onions: Add the butter, onions and a pinch of salt to a medium saute pan. Place the pan on the indirect heat side of the grill and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are tender and deeply caramelized, about 1 hour. When ready, remove from the grill and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the beef and chorizo. Divide the mixture evenly between 8 deli container lids. Flatten the meat into each lid to create an even disk. Pop the 8 meat disks out of the lids. Add the cheese to the center of 4 of the meat disks, then top with the remaining 4 meat disk and seal the edges.
• Preheat a large cast-iron pan on the direct heat side of the grill. Season both sides of the burgers with salt and drizzle with olive oil. Place the burgers in the pan and immediately smash them with a spatula. Cook the burgers for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the burgers from the grill. Spread the mayo on the burger buns and toast them the indirect heat side of the grill.
• To build: To each bun, add some caramelized onions, a burger, the condiments of your choice and cilantro. Serve!

THE LOLA BURGER

Steps:

• *Cook's Note: Michael's favorite mix of meats for this burger is chuck, sirloin, and brisket
• Build a medium-hot fire in your grill or preheat a stovetop grill pan.
• Cook the bacon in a saute pan over medium-high heat, turning once, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve the bacon fat in the pan.
• Form the ground beef into 4 patties, each about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Season the patties with salt and cracked black pepper, to taste. Put the burgers on the grill or in the grill pan and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and top each burger with a slice of cheese. Grill for 3 minutes for medium- rare. Remove them to a plate. Add the English muffins to the grill or grill pan and toast for 1 minute.
• Cook the eggs sunny side up in the bacon fat while the burgers rest.
• Build the burgers by sandwiching them between the muffin halves along with pickle slices, red onion, bacon, an egg, and some spicy ketchup.
• Pack the onions in 2 (1-quart) jars and cover with enough water to come within 1/2-inch of the rim. Pour the water out into a measuring cup. Note the volume, pour off half the water, and replace it with vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons salt for every 3 cups of liquid.
• Pour the vinegar mixture into a nonreactive saucepan, add the mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil over high heat. Allow the liquid to boil for 2 minutes, and then remove it from the heat.
• Pour the hot liquid into the jars to cover the onions and screw on the lids. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
• In a nonreactive 2-quart saucepan over medium heat add the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, and a large pinch of salt. Saute until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the Fresno chiles, ancho chile, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, tomato paste, and vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 3 cups of water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook over low heat for 2 hours.
• Remove the ketchup from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick. Puree the mixture in a blender and strain through a sieve, pushing down on the any solids. Let cool and pour into a storage container. Cover the container and refrigerate for up to 1 month.