Burger with Caramelized Onions, Asiago, and Basil Mayonnaise
By David Bonom and Marge Perry. Inspired by the acclaimed burger served at New York City’s Five Napkin Burger, this is the Daddy of all burgers: rich and meaty with toppings that enhance, not distract from, the burger itself. You may never eat a burger without meltingly tender caramelized onion, sharp, nutty Asiago and this herbaceous creamy sauce again.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cup red onion,, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt,, divided
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 7 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh basil,, finely chopped
- 1 ½ lb 80% lean ground beef
- 4 1- slices Asiago cheese
- 4 brioche or similar hamburger style buns,, split horizontally
- 1 cup baby romaine lettuce
- 8 slices tomato
DIRECTIONS
- Heat the oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and about 16-18 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and cook 1 minute longer; remove from the heat.
- Form the ground beef into 4 (4-inch diameter) patties, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and make a 1/4-inch depression with your thumb in each. (This helps the burger cook more evenly). Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium, add the burgers and cook 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Top each burger with 1 slice of cheese and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Cook 1 minute longer until cheese melts.
- To assemble, place top 1/4 cup baby romaine lettuce, 2 tomato slices, burger, and 1/4 of the onions on each bun bottom. Spread the cut side of the top half of each bun with 1/4 of the mayonnaise mixture and set on top of each burger. Serve immediately.