Recipe

Firecracker Burgers with Green Apple and Celery Salad and Thai Basil vinaigrette

Recipe
No Questions Yet

Photo by gingerroot

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Recipe Using Fresh Basil
Chef
gingerroot's Notes: Although I just happened to make these on the Fourth of July, the firecracker refers to using Sriracha sauce to season the burgers, rather than the holiday. Combined with traditional Southeast...
Although I just happened to make these on the Fourth of July, the firecracker refers to using Sriracha sauce to season the burgers, rather than the holiday. Combined with traditional Southeast Asian seasonings, including Thai basil and fish sauce, these juicy, flavorful burgers are a balance of spicy, sweet, sour and salty. The apple-celery salad and dressing provides additional sweetness, crunch and the subtle anise flavor of Thai basil. Make the salad and dressing ahead; keep in refrigerator until ready to dress burger. Note: Fish sauce and Sriracha can be found in the Asian section of some markets or an Asian market. They add a depth of flavor that is difficult to replicate.

Expand Collapse

Serves 2-4 depending on appetite

For the Green apple and celery salad with Thai basil vinaigrette:

1/2 Granny Smith green apple, cut into matchsticks Ask a question about this ingredient

1 stalk celery, cut into matchsticks Ask a question about this ingredient

1 lemon or lime wedge (I used Meyer lemon but lime would also work) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (about 20) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 cup Meyer lemon (or lime) juice Ask a question about this ingredient

1 clove garlic, minced Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 teaspoon cilantro stems, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon fish sauce Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 cup canola oil Ask a question about this ingredient

Mix apple and celery matchsticks in a medium bowl. Squeeze citrus over matchsticks, tossing to combine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.
Ask a question about this step
Using a mortar and pestle, combine Thai basil leaves, cilantro stems, garlic and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Grind into a thick paste. Transfer to clean jam jar with lid.
Ask a question about this step
Add fish sauce, remaining lemon juice and canola oil. Close jar tightly and shake well to emulsify dressing; store in refrigerator until ready to use. (You will have extra salad and dressing for enjoyment on another occasion).
Ask a question about this step

For the Burgers:

1 1/4 pound ground pork Ask a question about this ingredient

1 clove garlic, minced Ask a question about this ingredient

4 chives, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

6 Thai basil leaves cut into chiffonade Ask a question about this ingredient

4 sweet mace leaves, finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons fish sauce Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (Thai chili-garlic sauce) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 lemon or lime wedge Ask a question about this ingredient

Heat grill pan to medium-high.
Ask a question about this step
Meanwhile, combine garlic and herbs in a large bowl. Squeeze lemon or lime wedge over herb mixture. Add fish sauce and Sriracha sauce.
Ask a question about this step
Add ground pork to bowl and using hands, mix pork and seasonings gently but thoroughly to combine. Make four patties of equal size (5 oz each).
Ask a question about this step
Cook patties on grill pan until done, 3-4 minutes per side.
Ask a question about this step
Transfer to plate, top with green apple and celery salad, drizzle Thai basil vinaigrette over salad and burger.
Ask a question about this step

4 Comments on Firecracker Burgers with Green Apple and Celery Salad and Thai Basil vinaigrette

LE BEC FIN added 3 months ago

MACE leaves??!! wow, and i thought i was familiar with the basic thai ingredients. Not. Is it possible to describe what they taste like? neat recipe, ginger!

gingerroot added 3 months ago

Thanks, LBF! Actually, when I posted this, I had sweet mace growing in my raised bed. I love the flavor, which is why I added some, though I don't think it is necessarily a traditional Thai herb. It is also known as
Mexican marigold mint, or Spanish tarragon and has a flavor similar to tarragon.

lapadia added about 1 year ago

Very tasty, I think could work with ground turkey too?

gingerroot added about 1 year ago

Hi lapadia, Thank you for your comment - I definitely think ground turkey would be wonderful with the seasonings and salad. Let me know if you try it!