Get ready to elevate your burger game with a mouthwatering twist! Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy cheeseburger infused with the rich, smoky flavors of bourbon and tender short ribs. This recipe for Short Rib Cheeseburgers with Smoky Bourbon Aioli is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a gourmet burger at home, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a burger that’s as indulgent as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb short ribs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs by trimming excess fat and cutting into small, uniform pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sear the short rib pieces over high heat until they develop a deep golden-brown crust on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Deglaze the pot with bourbon, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and cover, allowing the short ribs to braise slowly for about 45-50 minutes until tender.
- While the short ribs are braising, prepare the smoky bourbon aioli by combining mayonnaise, bourbon, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Once short ribs are tender, remove from pot and allow to cool slightly. Finely chop or shred the meat into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped short rib meat with ground beef. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the meat mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to medium-high heat. Season patties with additional salt and pepper.
- Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preferred level of cooking.
- During the last minute of cooking, add cheese to the patties and allow to melt slightly.
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the same skillet or grill.
- Assemble burgers by spreading smoky bourbon aioli on both bun halves, placing the cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, and topping with fresh lettuce and tomato.
- Serve immediately while hot, with extra aioli on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor, select high-quality short ribs and ground beef. Grass-fed beef can provide a richer taste.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the short ribs enhances the flavor profile and adds depth to the final dish.
- Let It Braise: Be patient while the short ribs braise. This slow cooking process is essential for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customize the Aioli: Feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika in the aioli to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne can give it an extra kick!
- Form Perfect Patties: When shaping your burger patties, make a slight indentation in the center. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
- Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before assembling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
- Top It Off: Don’t hold back on the toppings! Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and even crispy bacon can take your burger to the next level.
- Serve with Style: Pair your burgers with some homemade fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal that will wow your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
