Kickin’ Habanero Burger
Chef Sean Brasel
Meat Market
Miami, Fla.
Operators are appealing to heat-seeking customers with burger condiments spiced up with chili peppers and hot sauces. Chef Brasel spikes housemade aioli with habaneros and serrano chilies to fire up his signature burger, slightly mellowing the effect with tomato-bacon jam, melted cheddar and cool lettuce leaves.
Ingredients
Habanero aioli
2 1/2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. minced scallion
1 1/2 tsp. minced serrano pepper, seeds removed
1/2 tsp. minced habanero chili, seeds removed
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. chopped shallot
3/4 tsp. minced parsley
1/2 tsp. minced mint
1/2 tsp. minced basil
1/4 tsp. dry dashi
1 tsp. water
1 lemon, zest and juice
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
Tomato Bacon Jam
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
2 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and quartered
1/4 cup white wine
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. roasted bacon
Burger
8 oz. ground certified angus beef chuck patty
1 brioche bun
2 oz. white cheddar cheese
2 vine-ripened tomato slices
1 leaf lettuce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crispy onions
Steps
1. For the habanero aioli: In a food processor, combine olive oil, mayonnaise, scallion, serrano pepper, habanero, garlic, shallot, parsley, mint, basil, dry dashi, water, lemon zest and juice, kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Blend ingredients until combined. Set aside.
2. For the tomato-bacon jam: In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sweat onions and garlic in hot oil. Add tomatoes, liquids and sugar. Reduce to low heat and reduce mixture until almost dry. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the roasted bacon.
3. For the burger: Season burger patty with salt and pepper and grill to desired temperature. Add the white cheddar to the patty while on the grill to melt the cheese.
4. To serve, toast both halves of brioche buns on grill. Spread 1 tablespoon habanero aioli on both sides of bun. Place burger patty on bottom bun with tomato-bacon jam, crispy onions, lettuce and tomato on top. Close with top bun.