Pastrami Burger with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 8 slices of pastrami 8 slices of pastrami
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 4 hamburger buns 4 hamburger buns
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pickles, sliced 1/4 cup (60ml) pickles, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
2. 2.
   Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the patties are cooking, heat a separate skillet over medium heat and add the pastrami slices. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until heated through.
6. 6.
   Just before the patties are done, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.
7. 7.
   Toast the hamburger buns on a grill or in a toaster until lightly golden.
8. 8.
   Assemble the burgers by placing a patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
9. 9.
   Top each patty with 2 slices of pastrami and a few slices of pickles.
10. 10.
    Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer a juicier patty, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.
• Pastrami — Look for high-quality pastrami from a reputable deli or butcher. The pastrami should be thinly sliced and well-marbled for maximum flavor.
• Swiss cheese — For a milder flavor, use baby Swiss cheese. If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for aged Swiss cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For added smokiness, you can lightly grill the pastrami slices before adding them to the burger.
• Customize your burger by adding your favorite condiments such as mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise.
• If you prefer a spicier burger, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the beef patty seasoning.
• To melt the cheese more quickly, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two while the patties are cooking.
• Serve the Pastrami Burger with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Pastrami Burger immediately after assembling to ensure the cheese is melted and the flavors are at their best. Accompany it with your favorite side dishes and condiments for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Pastrami Burger, you can skewer a pickle slice and a cherry tomato on a toothpick and place it on top of the burger. This adds a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.