Lola + JJ do a Burger off

July 9, 2012

After having a planned burger night, JJ decided he wanted to compete with me on who makes the better burger. Since Giada can do no wrong in my eyes, I was fully up for the challenge. Although this was not a recipe made by yours truly, it was a planned meal, so ingredients were already bought. It was a nice change to our nightly routine and a fun activity to do as a couple.

 JJ used beef, Worcester sauce, A1 sauce, jalapenos, onions and bacon… a true man burger at its finest. All ingredients placed in the center of the beef patty, cooked well done.
The end result = due to the addition of the A1 sauce, it tasted like a steak in a bun. Yum!

Burgers a la Pizzaiola Recipe:

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1/4 cup (5 or 6) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 pounds ground sirloin beef
8 sourdough rolls, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Topping suggestions: shredded cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, marinara sauce, prosciutto, sliced olives, roasted red bell peppers, lettuce leaves, arugula, ketchup, pesto. 

Directions

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.

In a food processor, pulse together the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, cheeses, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Process until blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the beef and, using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until combined. Form the mixture into 8 (4-inch diameter) patties, each about 3/4-inch thick. Grill each side until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Brush the cut side of the rolls with olive oil and grill until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
Place the burgers on the bottom half of the rolls and add desired toppings. Add the top half of the rolls and serve.

End result = a Italian style burger with a little bit from the red pepper flakes. Very good!

Winner = Lola. 
We cut the burgers in half and each tried one after the other. Honesty was our judge 😉
Appetizer: seared tuna with soy sauce

 
 

JJ’s end result
Lola’s end result
xo!
FILED IN:

SHARE ON: