Here we go with burgers again! While my sister and dad were still in town, we HAD to make burgers especially with buffalo, since it’s so much easier for us to get out here in the West. This recipe did not disappoint and is one of our best burger recipes yet! We took your average bacon burger and enhanced it just a bit. By combing lamb and buffalo, then topping the burgers with a delicious muenster, bacon, avocado, fried egg, tomato and a homemade, spicy aioli; this burger brings the east (New Jersey) and the west (California) together to create a truly tasty burger. Put it on a nicely toasted ciabatta roll and pair it with some delicious baked sweet potato fries, and you have yourself a wonderful dinner. I was pleased, Zach was pleased, and my dad and sister were pleased; so if you need a crowd pleaser, give this one a shot!
For this pairing, we decided to go with Stone’s Smoked Porter w/ Chipotle Chilis. I’m sure most of you have had Stone’s Smoked Porter. It’s a pretty delicious brew as it is, but once they added a chipotle chili to the mix this brew took on a whole new meaning! The brewery also released a Vanilla Bean version which I totally recommend as well (but not for this dish (=)! The smokiness of this beer totally brings out the smokiness in the grilled burgers. It has hints of chocolate and hints of spice, but is not in the least bit overpowering. Give it a try! I’m sure most of you will be able to find it.
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Have fun!
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Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 lb ground buffalo
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Franks)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tomato sliced
- 4 romaine leaves, washed and chopped coarsely
- 4 eggs, fried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 slices of muenster
- 8 strips of bacon, baked or fried
- 4 ciabatta rolls
Instructions
- You’re going to make the spicy aioli first. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, hot sauce, chili powder, and a little bit of salt. Stir to combine, adding more salt if necessary. Set aside and refrigerate until ready for use.
- In another, much larger bowl, combine the lamb, buffalo, 2 eggs, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Start forming your patties. Separate the mixture into 4 separate patties (should be 1/2 lb each – yes, they are large and in charge). Put them on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat your grill to medium. Once warm, cook the burgers for 4 minutes on one side. Flip, and cook for another 4 minutes. When you flip for the last time, put the bacon on top of the burger, then top the bacon with the muenster cheese. Cook for another 4 minutes, then remove immediately from heat. When you have flipped the burgers for the last time (3rd time), put the rolls on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes until nice and toasty.
- Top the burgers with romaine, tomato, fried egg, avocado, and aioli.
