Slaw-Tastic Smokey Cheeseburger

By George Levinthal
@ChefGeoLevi

(This is my World Food Championships 2015 qualifying entry and I couldn't be prouder.) Here's everything you want for a picnic rolled up into a delicious burger. The great flavor of smoked meat, the char of the grill, melted cheese, the crunch of a tangy coleslaw, and even a spicy dressing, along with lettuce and tomato, all between a toasted bun. It will be a favorite for picnics and barbeques for years to come. All you need is a cold drink and a group of friends and family to enjoy it with.

Rating:

★★★★★ 3 votes

Comments:

26 Comments

Serves:

Prep:

45 Min

Cook:

25 Min

Method:

Grill

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Notes from the Test Kitchen:
Now this is a burger! The ranch slaw, along with the smokey flavors from the chipotle aioli, adds so many layers of flavors and textures, your taste buds will do a happy dance. We toasted our buns with mayo... oh so good.

Ingredients

1 lb: each of ground sirloin and ground chuck
1/2 c: diced red onion
1 tsp: kosher or sea salt
1 tsp: fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp: ground gumin
1 Tbsp: minced garlic
2 Tbsp: worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp: mesquite liquid smoke
1 c: each of green & purple cabbage, shreddeed
1/2 c: julienned sweet red pepper
1/2 c: jicama, peeled and julienned
1/2 c: shredded carrots
1/2 c: julienned green apple
2 Tbsp: red wine vinegar
1/4 c: olive oil, extra virgin
1 tsp: white sugar
1 tsp: kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp: fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp: ground celery seed
1/2 tsp: lime zest
1 Tbsp: lime juice
1 Tbsp: toasted sesame seeds
1/2 c: mayonaise
2 Tbsp: chopped chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
1 Tbsp: honey
2 Tbsp: chopped cilantro
6: toasted potato rolls
6 slice: smoked gouda cheese
6: icegerg lettuce leaves
6 large: tomato slices, 1/4" thick

How to Make Slaw-Tastic Smokey Cheeseburger

Step-by-Step

1In a large bowl crumble the ground meats and add all the Burger ingredients and combine thoroughly. Don't over mix. Separate the meat into 6 patties, cover and set aside.
2Shred and julienne the slaw ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
3Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a medium sized bowl and set aside.
4Mix together the aioli ingredients and set refrigerate until needed.
5Heat a well greased grill or grill pan on high and put on the patties. Reduce the heat to medium high and cook for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes turn & cook 4 more minutes and check for doneness, about 140 deg. at this point.
6Reduce heat to medium low, add 1 slice of cheese to each patty, cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until melted. The patty temperature should be at 150 deg. Remove the patties to a warm plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
7Brush a small amount of olive oil or mayonnaise on both sides of the 6 buns and toast until lightly browned
8Whisk the dressing ingredients again, pour over the slaw, a little at a time so and combine thoroughly. Don't over dress.
9Divide the lettuce and tomatoes, lettuce first, between the bun bottoms, followed by the burgers. Put some slaw, about a small handful, or more, your preference, on the burgers. You may have some extra for later. Spoon 1 tbsp. of the aioli on each bun top, cover and serve.