May 2025, VOLUME 1, ISSUE LXXII

Bacon Burgers with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 jalapeños, chopped
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
1/2 small red onion, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 1/2 pounds ground chuck
1/2 pound bacon, minced (1 cup)
6 scallions, white and light green parts only, minced
1/2 cup chopped mint
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Canola oil, for brushing
8 toasted hamburger buns
Sliced tomatoes and onions, lettuce, ketchup, mustard and Sriracha, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor, puree the yogurt, jalapeños, cilantro, ginger, onion, sugar and 1 teaspoon of the salt until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.

In another bowl, mix the ground beef with the bacon, scallions, mint, cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Form into eight 1-inch-thick patties.

Heat a cast-iron griddle and brush with oil. Cook the burgers over moderate heat, turning once, until charred outside and medium within, 6 to 8 minutes.

Spread some of the yogurt sauce on the bottom buns, top with the burgers and layer with toppings. Close the burgers and serve.

From Food & Wine