Monday, October 25, 2010

Vietnamese-Style Banh Mi Burgers

For anyone who is hooked on the great taste of a Banh Mi, this burger is a good variation from the classic sandwich.

Photo by Kana Okada

Bon Appetit!

2 carrots, coarsely shredded

1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Tabasco

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 garlic clove, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck

1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

One 24-inch baguette, quartered crosswise and split

2 pickled jalapeƱos, thinly sliced

12 cilantro sprigs

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small bowl, toss the carrots with the rice vinegar and sugar and let stand for 10 minutes; drain.

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the Tabasco, tomato paste and garlic and season with salt and pepper.

Form the meat into four 6-inch-long oval patties, about 1 inch thick. Season with the curry powder and salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Cook the patties over moderate heat, turning once, until medium, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, spread the butter on the cut sides of the baguette. Set the bread cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, until lightly toasted. Spread the Tabasco-spiked mayonnaise on the bread and top each baguette section with a burger patty, pickled shredded carrots, pickled jalapeƱo slices and cilantro sprigs.