Craving a burger that’s a step above the ordinary? Want something a little more gourmet and packed with flavor? This recipe is here to elevate your burger night with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes. Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful patty topped with sweet, sticky caramelized onions and a splash of tangy balsamic, give it a try! Happy Cooking!!
What you'll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness and flavor, or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 tbsp Bari Traditional olive oil (for both the onions and the patties)
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp BARI classic balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme if available)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Burger buns (brioche or your favorite type)
- Cheese (optional, but a creamy brie or provolone works beautifully here)
- Crispy bacon topping (optional)
Happy Cooking!!
Complete Recipe:
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat, and add 1 tablespoon of Bari olive oil.
- Add the sliced white onions to the pan and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20-25 minutes. The onions should soften, become golden brown, and develop a deep, rich flavor.
- After 10 minutes, add the balsamic vinegar to the onions and stir well. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and the vinegar has reduced into a thick glaze that coats the onions. Set them aside.
Season the Burger Patties:
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef and 2 tablespoon of Bari olive oil. The olive oil will help keep the burger moist and give it that beautiful golden-brown sear when cooked.
- Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the beef. You can also mix in Worcestershire sauce if you want an extra depth of savory flavor.
- Gently mix everything together. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to a tough patty. You want the seasoning to be evenly distributed, but you don’t want to squeeze the meat too much.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and gently shape them into round, slightly flattened patties. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle).
Cook the Patties:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush it with a little more Bari olive oil.
- Once hot, add the burger patties to the pan or grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness and desired doneness). For a juicy, medium burger, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If you want to melt cheese on top, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan or grill with a lid to let it melt.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the burger buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly butter your buns and toast them in a separate pan or on the grill until they’re golden and crispy.
- Assemble the burger: Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun. Top it with a generous spoonful of the caramelized balsamic onions.
- Add any additional toppings you like, such as fresh greens (arugula or spinach), tomatoes, or a dollop of mayonnaise or aioli.
Serve the burger with crispy fries or a light salad on the side. The combination of tangy balsamic and sweet caramelized onions will make this burger an unforgettable bite! ENJOY!!
Tag us on Instagram @barioliveoil if you try this recipe!