Weekend Gourmet Flashback: Asian-Pacific Burgers

You may have noticed that my posting has been a bit less frequent recently. I've been having some issues with my computer, so I've had to be a bit creative the past couple of weeks. I'll be back to my normal posting schedule later this week...but first I want to share one of my most favorite burger recipes with you now that the weather is turning warm and grilling season is underway in most of the country! My flavorful Asian-Pacific burgers are like a tropical vacation, without the expensive plane tickets and crowded beaches! These juicy burgers can be made outdoors on the grill, or they can be whipped up inside using a cast iron grill pan. They're sweet, savory and a little spicy...and all around good!
 

Asian-Pacific Burgers

a Weekend Gourmet Original

Ingredients (makes 4 burgers):

• 1 lb. 93% lean ground beef
• 2 sliced green onions
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbs. dried cilantro
• 1 tbs. seasoning of your choice -- I used lemon pepper
• 1 cup bottle stir fry sauce (I used a spicy Thai sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 Kings Hawaiian Hamburger Buns
• Half a sweet Maui onion, sliced
• 4 pineapple rings
• 1 tbs. olive oil
• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 4 tbs. honey mustard sauce

Directions:

Step 1: Add the beef, onions, feta, cilantro, spice blend, ½ cup of the stir fry sauce and salt & pepper in a large mixing bowl. Using pristinely clean hands, mix the burger ingredients and form into four patties.

Step 2: Heat a grill or cast iron grill pan over med-high heat until hot -- about 5 minutes. Spray generously with non-stick spray and add the burgers. Cook for 3 minutes, until seared. Flip and spread each burger with 1 tbs. of the remaining stir fry sauce. After 3 minutes, flip again and spread the other side of the burgers with an additional tablespoon of the stir fry sauce. Reduce heat to low to keep the burgers warm.

Step 3: Add the olive oil to a small non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and add the pineapple rings. Cook until browned -- about 2-3 minutes per side. Toast the Hawaiian buns.

Step 4: To assemble the burgers, place one patty on top of the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer the grilled pineapple rings, sautéed onions and sliced avocado on top of the patties. Spread 1 tbs. of the honey mustard on the top bun and serve.

These flavorful burgers are so good: a little spicy…and a little sweet. The sautéed onion, juicy pineapple and tangy honey mustard pair perfectly with the sweet Hawaiian bread. The Thai stir fry sauce adds a nice bit of spice, and the pockets of melty feta provide a nice burst of salty goodness. We especially enjoy these burgers with sweet potato fries and lemonade for a great warm-weather dinner. If you've never had pineapple on a burger, give it at try...it's really good!

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