RED RUB BURGER
PG tested
This burger was one of five national finalists in the Sutter Home 2018 Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest, the
longest‐running nation’s burger contest.
The original recipe included adding both cheese and bacon, but I left them out to let the taste of the rub shine.
For rub
2 tablespoons paprika 1½ tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder ½ teaspoon cumin 1/8 teaspoon oregano
For patties
3 pounds ground beef, 15 percent fat
3 tablespoons garlic, minced
3 tablespoons red onions, finely diced
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated 1 tablespoon kosher salt 6 brioche buns
For garnish
1 tablespoon mayonnaise 6 slices of butterhead lettuce, divided
Bread and butter style pickle slices
6 slices red onion
6 slices tomato 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, divided
2 tablespoons ketchup, divided
Make the rub by whisking together all ingredients until mixed thoroughly, set aside.
Fold together beef, garlic, diced red onions, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Parmesan cheese and 3/8 cup of the rub mix. Form beef mixture into 6 patties (the patties should be approximately 1inch thick). Take kosher salt and evenly sprinkle ¼ teaspoon per side of each beef patty, patting the salt into the patty with your fingertips.
Rub both sides of each patty with the remaining rub mix. Pierce through the center of each patty one time with a thin knife.
Use direct heat for charcoal barbecuing or medium heat for propane barbecuing
Grill on first side for 5 minutes with the lid closed. Flip patties, close lid and grill for 4 more minutes. Remove patties from the barbecue and allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
Assemble hamburgers as follows, from bottom to top: bottom bun, ½ teaspoon mayonnaise, 1 slice of lettuce, 1 grilled beef patty, 4 pickle slices, 1 slice of red onion, 1 slice of tomato, ½ teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon ketchup.
Makes 6 burgers.