Pretzel Burger

I don't remember when was the last time I ordered a burger from a fast food joint. After a burger I always end up feeling miserable and fatigued. Think about it, the food is loaded with preservatives and low quality ingredients then off it goes to the deep fryer. So why not cook at home? Yes, it may be time consuming, but you can always make everything in batches, freeze it, defrost it, and reheat it! This is what I usually do on my lazy/tired days.

Today's recipe is my favorite burger patty and it goes perfectly with the pretzel buns I posted a couple of days ago. The burgers are delicious, juicy, easy to prepare, and with the right amount of seasoning. I'm sure you'll enjoy these as much as I did :).

As mentioned previously, you can make a batch and freeze it. The best way to freeze the seasoned raw patties is by lining them up on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet. In between each layer of burgers, put a double layer of waxed paper so that they don't stick. When they are frozen solid, put the patties into ziplock bags and they'll last for about two months in the freezer. 

You can enjoy the cooked patties 1) As is. 2) Hamburgers. 3) Dice it finely and use it as a pizza topping. 3) Crumble the meat and add it to your favorite spaghetti sauce. 4) Mix it with sloppy joe sauce. 5) In a bowl of rice top it with a cooked patty, fried egg, and gravy. Now you got yourself a Loco Moco. Be creative!

Makes 10 patties

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/4 cup minced bacon (optional)
• 1 cup panko
• 1 medium brown onion, grated
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or minced garlic)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 10 slices American Cheese
• coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 10 large Pretzels, halved (recipe)
• 1 Tomato sliced
• 1 1/2 cup grilled onion
• 1/2 cup smokey tartar sauce (recipe)
• 4-5 tablespoon cooking oil

Directions

• In a large bowl combine ground pork, ground beef, minced bacon, panko, grated onion, garlic paste, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with hands until evenly combined.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for about an hour.
• Divide meat mixture into 10 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty with about 1.5cm thickness.
• Place each patty onto a tray lined with wax paper or parchment paper and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Place patties on prepared grill or frying pan and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
• Make sure to check there is no pink showing inside the patty.
• Serve in warm pretzel buns with a spread of your choice of sauce, a slice of tomato, grilled onion, and a slice of american cheese.