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Lilly’s Table

 
 

© Lillys-Table.com Photo of Beer Braised Onion & Bison Burgers
  • Hard
  • Medium
  • Easy

Prep
Difficulty
Easy

45 mins

Time
Estimate
45 mins

Icon Heart Healthy

Gluten
Free?
No

Winter

Typical
Season
Winter


Nutrition Info

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Protein

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Carbs

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Fats

  • 7
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Vegetables



Recipe Detail

Winter

Beer Braised Onion & Bison Burgers

from Bison Burgers with Blue Cheese Salad and Sweet Potato Fries, the Week of January 26, 2014.
View the previous recipe for this meal.

These burgers were created to celebrate the Bronco’s trip to the Superbowl. Bison aka buffalo is popular in Colorado as are the many, many microbreweries and big breweries (Hi, Coors!) that flourish around my state. The beer adds a slight bitterness to otherwise sweet onions and a drizzle of maple syrup (or your favorite sweetener) balances out the flavor. Just be sure to do add the syrup at the end.

Ingredients

  • 1 onion
  • ½ beer, bottle
  • ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup, or more to taste
  • ½ lb bison, ground, or ground grass-fed beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt, more or less, to taste
  • 1 pinch black pepper, more or less to taste
  • 2 hamburger buns
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup baby spinach, or other baby greens, such as kale or chard

Serving Size: 4 People



 

Preparation Instructions

Slice the onion and place in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Toss around occasionally. Once they begin to stick and darken slightly, pour in about 1/2 of the beer. It will bubble up and sizzle. Reduce the heat slightly to about medium. Push onions under the beer and toss around periodically to evenly heat the onions. When they start to stick again, add more beer. If the onions are not completely caramelized once all of the beer is added, you can add a bit of water to help them wilt and soften slightly. Stir in the dijon mustard.

Taste. Is it too bitter or sweet? Stir in maple syrup to your preferred taste, while still keeping the onions with a hint of the bitterness.

Meanwhile, gingerly shape the ground bison into patties. Avoid pressing, smashing and man-handling the ground bison too much. Generously salt each side of the patty and add a pinch of black pepper too. The rest of the salt can be tossed in with the caramelized onions.

Bring a grill pan or outdoor grill up to smoking hot heat. Once it is hot, reduce the heat slightly to medium-high and then sear the burgers on the first side for about 6-8 minutes, uncovered (or if you want them well done, cover it). When dark grill marks appear, flip over the patties and add the cheddar cheese slices to the cooked side. Sear for another 4-5 minutes and then cover for the final couple of minutes to help the cheese melt a bit further.

Split and toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster/oven. Smoother each bun side with mayo, mustard or your preferred toppings such as ketchup, pickles, etc.

Place the cooked burgers in the bun and top with the caramelized onions and baby greens. Smash together and enjoy!