Bacon Burgers with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce

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Instead of making a simple burger, chef and cookbook author Suvir Saran mixes ground beef chuck with bacon, scallions, mint and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for stellar flavor. Slideshow:  More Burger Recipes 

Bacon Burgers with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce
Photo: © Jonathan Lovekin
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
8

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 jalapeños, chopped

  • 1 cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger

  • 1/2 small red onion, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 1/2 pounds ground chuck

  • 1/2 pound bacon, minced (1 cup)

  • 6 scallions, white and light green parts only, minced

  • 1/2 cup chopped mint

  • 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

  • Canola oil, for brushing

  • 8 toasted hamburger buns

  • Sliced tomatoes and onions, lettuce, ketchup, mustard and Sriracha, for serving

Directions

  1. In a food processor, puree the yogurt, jalapeños, cilantro, ginger, onion, sugar and 1 teaspoon of the salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.

  2. In another bowl, mix the ground beef with the bacon, scallions, mint, cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Form into eight 1-inch-thick patties.

  3. Heat a cast-iron griddle and brush with oil. Cook the burgers over moderate heat, turning once, until charred outside and medium within, 6 to 8 minutes.

  4. Spread some of the yogurt sauce on the bottom buns, top with the burgers and layer with toppings. Close the burgers and serve.

Suggested Pairing

Juicy, concentrated Malbec.

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