Reader seeks a good 'shroom burger
QUESTION: I'm looking for a good recipe for mushroom-stuffed burgers (not burgers with mushrooms on top). I've had a great one that my brother-in-law made, but the recipes I have tried are just OK. Thanks.ANSWER: I note that you are asking me for a good recipe — not an OK recipe, but not a great one, either. Thanks,
that really takes the pressure off. Later, someone will ask you: "How was that mushroom burger recipe?" And your reply will be, "It was, you know, good."I also couldn't help but notice that you liked the mushroom burger your brother-in-law made, but you aren't asking him for his recipe. Do I sense a little family competition?It seems that you'd rather get your recipe somewhere else, one equally good if not better than his, to show him up a little. I'm up for the challenge.Let's make some great mushroom burgers that will make his look merely good in comparison — then he can come ask for your recipe.First let's go over some tips that are helpful no matter what kind of burgers you're grilling. They apply to both charcoal and gas grills.1. Whether they are stuffed or not, make sure your patties are consistently and firmly packed so they will hold together on the grill.2. Preheat the grill to a hot temperature for at least 15 to 20 minutes before grilling your burgers. You'll know your grill is hot enough when you cannot comfortably hold your hand over the grates for more than 3 to 5 seconds.3. Oil grill grates just before grilling the meat. You can do this quickly with an oiled towel or with cooking spray (watch for flare-ups if using a spray).4. Do not press down on the patties while they are cooking!5. Flip the burgers only once. Cooking time should average about 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending upon the thickness of the burgers.As a fully licensed Barbecue Guy, I could go on and on about grilling tips, but other people have articles that have to go in today's paper. Let's just say that you'll be ahead of the game, and maybe even your brother-in-law, if you follow the above advice.Now on to your recipe. The real key is to make sure that you cook the moisture out of the mushrooms, otherwise the natural moisture found in mushrooms will make your patties fall apart.I hope you like these, and let me know when your "good," not "great" brother-in-law starts begging for the recipe.
1½ pounds lean ground beef¼ cup finely diced onion1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary½ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon olive oil½ pound sliced cremini mushrooms6 slices sharp cheddar cheeseCombine the meat, onion, herbs, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the mushrooms in the butter and olive oil until slightly browned and dry.Form the meat mixture into 8 thin patties. Spoon a quarter of the mushrooms on top of four of the patties. Top each one with cheese and a second patty. Seal the meat together around the edges, making sure that the patties are good and solid.Place the stuffed patties on a preheated grill and cook for a couple of minutes per side. Remove and serve with your favorite condiments and bakery fresh hamburger rolls.Makes 4 servings.
