So I'm involved in a burger throwdown (much like the show on Foodnetwork). I was challenged by a friend to the best burger possible. Here's the rules:
No time limit, but burgers must be done at the same time.
If you need to premake anything that's fine (long cooking sauces, etc)
2 judges each of us get to pick one.
4 of the same burger must be made for tasting.
So I've been putting together recipes and thoughts, and just thought I'd ask for some opinions on what I've got so far.
Burger recipe:
2# 60/40 grnd sirlion
2 ea garlic cloves, minced
1 T shallot, minced
1 ea egg, beaten
3 T Southern Tier Porter
TT S&P
This recipe used for two of the 4 ideas I have:
Classic American:
8oz patty
Red leaf, grilled vadallia onion, plum tomato, chipotle ketchup, and brown ale mustard, aged cheddar
Heart Attack:
2 ea 8 oz patties
Patty 1: caramelized mushrooms and onions, aged cheddar
Patty 2: tavern ham, swiss
Patties stacked near end of cooking and wrapped completely in bacon, finished on grill, or oven (haven't decided)
Finished Red leaf, beefsteak tomato, IPA onion rings
The other two are blended with other meats.
German:
8 oz patty
60:40 Grnd sirloin:uncooked bratwurst
Caramelized apples and onions in dopplebock glaze. Bleu cheese, frisee or arugula, dopplebock mayo (very light useage)
South Western (Still working on recipe):
8 oz patty
60:40 grnd buffalo: chorizo
blackened corn, grilled red onion, grilled jalapenos, guac, tequila-lime glaze
So whats the thought? Keep it simple, or go for something a little more complex?
I will also be making my own rolls. Whole wheat, malt extract, and dusting the final product with flaked barley, flaked oats, and a little sea salt.