Bacon Maple Bistro Beef Burger

A luxurious bistro beef burger with salty-sweet maple bacon, arugula and tomato, and a golden toasted bun. A Nurtosh favourite for an elevated homemade burger night.

Prep: 15 minutes   Cook: 15–25 minutes   Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 340 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 brioche or potato burger buns
• 40 g smoked Gouda (or 2 slices)
• 4 cooked bacon rashers; 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• arugula and tomato

Instructions

1. Prepare the topping: Brush the cooked bacon lightly with maple syrup and warm briefly in the pan.
2. Gently shape beef into 2 patties, slightly wider than the buns; avoid overworking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties, turning once or as needed for even cooking. Cook until the centre of every beef patty reaches 71°C / 160°F on a food thermometer. Cooking time depends on thickness and heat.
4. Add smoked Gouda during the final minute of cooking (or just after cooking for blue cheese). Let it soften while the patties rest briefly.
5. Mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard for a quick sauce; adjust to taste. Toast the cut sides of the burger buns until lightly golden.
6. Spread sauce on the buns, layer with arugula and tomato, add the beef and bacon maple topping, then close and serve immediately.

Nurtosh kitchen tip

The secret to this bistro burger is to keep the beef cold until cooking and toast the buns just before assembly. Serve with oven fries or a fresh salad.

Food safety: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 71°C / 160°F.