THIS I haven’t done in quite a while—replying to recipe requests for one’s dream business. So what better time than now? Happy New Year, Jun-jun!

I am based in Cebu and thinking of setting up a high-end burger business. Could you please help me make my hamburger patty and give recipe ideas for my dream burger house business? Many thanks and more power.

Jun-jun

Some burger tips: Remember, the nicer the quality and cut of beef you use, the nicer the burger. Other secrets to making sublime patties are grated onions and the addition of beef fat that prevents patties from drying out.

Beef Burger Patties

1 kilo ground beef (I use chuck meat)
¼ kilo ground beef fat
2 tsp barbecue seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp grated red onions
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well, using your clean hands.

Continue mixing until the mixture becomes sticky, coming together to form a ball.

Weigh. My patties weigh anywhere between 150-200 g each.

Form into patties. I like mine thick. I use a round mold for consistency in size.

Chill and when hard enough to handle, wrap individually with cling wrap and freeze.

Thaw as needed.

Grill.

Here are some of my favorite burger variations:

Burger with Shiitake Mushrooms and Garlic Cream Cheese

Burger buns
Burger patties

Whipped cream cheese
Arugula
Tomato
Onions
Balsamic dressing
1 c fresh shiitake or fresh button mushrooms, sauteed in olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper

Warm burger buns. Spread whipped cream cheese on buns. Grill patties. Sandwich burger between buns. Top with arugula, onions, tomato. Top with mushrooms. Drizzle with balsamic dressing.

Garlic Cream Cheese

½ c good quality cream cheese
2 tbsp garlic, pounded to a paste
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp pepper
3 tbsp green onions
Salt
Pepper

With a mixer, whip cream cheese. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix to blend.

Balsamic Dressing
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp honey
4 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine vinegar and honey. Gently pour in olive oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper.

Japanese Teriyaki Burgers

Burger buns
Burger patties
Teriyaki sauce
Japanese mayonnaise
Japanese mustard
Arugula
Watercress
Shiitake mushrooms, sauteed

Warm burger buns. Spread mayonnaise and mustard. Grill patties. Top with teriyaki sauce with onions, arugula and watercress. Finish off with shiitake mushrooms.

Teriyaki Sauce
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp hon dashi
½ cup sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup water
2 tsp ginger, grated
2 tsp cornstarch
4 onions, sliced thin

Combine all ingredients except onions. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add onions. Cook until onions become slightly soft.

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E-mail the author at raspiras@inquirer.com.ph.