California Burgers Recipes

Steps:

• Bobby's Perfect Patty
• Shape 6 ounces of 80 percent lean ground beef chuck into a uniform patty, no more than 3/4 inch thick (don't overwork the meat). Make a depression in the center with your thumb so the burger won't bulge; the indent will rise as the patty cooks. Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan to high. Brush the burger with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred, turning once (7 minutes for medium-rare). Avoid pressing with a spatula! Add cheese for the last minute of cooking.
• Cheese
• Your pick: Monterey Jack is a California favorite, but Bobby loves this burger with cheddar, too.
• Avocado Relish
• Avocado is one of Bobby's favorite ingredients. He mixes 2 chopped Hass avocados with 1/2 diced small onion, 1 minced jalapeno, the juice of 1 lime, 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper.
• Watercress
• L.A. doesn't do iceberg lettuce, so Bobby tops off the burger with this peppery green instead.
• Tomato
• One thick, juicy slice takes the place of ketchup.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine beef, salt and pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into eight 1/2-in.-thick patties., Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 3-4 in. from heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 3-4 minutes on each side. Place burgers in lettuce leaves. Combine feta and Miracle Whip; spread over burgers. Top with avocado, red onion and if desired, tomatoes.

Steps:

• In a large nonstick skillet, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil over high heat. Stir in spinach; cover and cook until bright green and wilted, about 1 minute. Drain and squeeze dry. Chop.
• Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons oil, then mushrooms, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Stir in beans, then transfer to a large heatproof bowl; let cool slightly. Add cilantro, spinach, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and lime juice; mash mixture together with a fork or potato masher, leaving some larger pieces. Stir in egg, 1 cup bulgur, and breadcrumbs. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Spread remaining 1/2 cup bulgur on a plate; season with salt and pepper. Form bean mixture into 1/2-cup patties (about 1/2 inch thick); press each side into bulgur to coat. Wipe skillet clean; return to medium heat. Swirl in 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and add half of patties. Cook until a deep crust forms, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip and cook until second sides are crisp and patties are heated through, about 8 minutes more. In last minute of cooking, add cheese and cover; cook until melted. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Repeat with remaining burgers. Spread each roll with Dijonnaise, then top with a patty, avocado, sprouts, and pickles; serve.

Steps:

• thai Mix 1 1/4 pounds ground chicken, 1/2 cup panko, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt and salt. Shape into four 1-inch-thick patties and chill. Brush with oil and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side on an oiled grill. Serve on whole-grain bread with sprouts, cucumber, tomato and avocado.

Steps:

• Place beans in food processor or blender. Cover and process until slightly mashed; remove from food processor. Mix beans, chilies, bread crumbs and egg. Shape mixture into 5 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Coat each patty with cornmeal.
• Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in oil 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until crisp and thoroughly cooked on both sides.
• Spread bottom halves of buns with mayonnaise. Top with lettuce, patties, salsa and tops of buns.