Summer burgers with grilled vegetables

There's something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavourful burger. The combination of a perfectly cooked patty, melted cheese, and crispy bacon nestled between toasted buns is simply delicious.

I enjoy making my own burger sauce and this is just one of the many versions I tried. We decided to grill some vegetables instead of frying chips this time and serve with a fresh leafy salad with homemade salad dressing.

Ingredients (serves 2)

For the burgers:

• 250g minced lean beef (I prefer lean meat 5% fat, but use whatever cut you enjoy most)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme, onion granules, garlic granules, pepper, salt
• 2 x brioche buns
• 2 x slices of bacon
• 4 x slices of cheese (I used extra mature cheddar)
• 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil (or oil of your choosing)

For the burger sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1-2 tsp of your favourite hot sauce (I used sriracha)
• 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp of onion granules, garlic granules, pepper

For the sides:

• 100g asparagus
• 4 large mushrooms
• lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp of butter per mushroom
• vegetable oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place your bacon on a baking tray and add to a cold oven. Set to 200° and bake until crispy, 15-25 minutes. 
2. Preheat your griddle and a separate skillet for the mushrooms on medium-high heat.
3. Season the mince and form your 2 patties (I divide the meat between 100g and 150g for Adriana and myself). Set aside.
4. Drizzle a bit of oil on the asparagus and add to the griddle. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred and fork tender. Remove and plate. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
5. After the asparagus is ready toast your burger brioche on both sides, 1-2 minutes each. Set aside.
6. Add enough oil to your skillet to just coat the surface and add your mushrooms face down for 2 minutes. Turn over and fry for another 2 minutes before adding the butter on each mushroom. Cover the pan and cook on low for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Plate, salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drizzle a bit of oil on the burger patties and place on the griddle for 3-4 minutes. Flip the patties and grill for another 3-4 minutes. After 1 minute add the cheese on top to melt and add your burger sauce to the brioche.
8. Add the patties and bacon to your brioche and enjoy!