The Wtf Burger! Recipe

Prepare rib

If you have an already cooked full-size beef short rib, warm it gently: preheat oven to 150°C (300°F), wrap rib in foil with a splash of beef stock or pan juices, and heat 20–30 minutes until warmed through. If raw, braise or slow-cook separately until tender (not included in time estimate). Reserve the warmed rib to place on the burger.

Form & season patties

Divide the ground beef into two 120 g portions and shape into slightly wider-than-bun patties, making a shallow dimple in the center of each so they cook evenly. Season both sides with kosher salt (approx 1/4 tsp per side total) and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a light brush of oil or a small knob of butter. Cook patties 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing, until well-browned. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of trio pepper cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt.

Cook bacon

While patties cook, in a separate skillet over medium heat, fry the streaky bacon until crispy, 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towel.

Toast buns

Spread butter on the cut sides of the bun. Toast in a hot skillet, face down, 1–2 minutes until golden-brown.

Assemble burger

On the bottom bun spread a generous layer of burger sauce (see sauce directions). Add a layer of coleslaw (see coleslaw directions), then place the first cheese-topped beef patty, add one strip of crispy bacon, place the second patty, then rest the warmed full-size beef short rib on top of the patties. Add remaining bacon if desired, more burger sauce on the top bun, then close burger. Serve immediately with fries.

Make the slaw: in a bowl combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage and grated carrot. In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss dressing with the vegetables until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until assembly.

Combine sauce ingredients: in a small bowl mix 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled gherkins, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as needed. Chill until ready to assemble.

Prepare fries: cut russet potatoes into 1 cm (approx 1/3 inch) sticks and rinse in cold water until water runs clear to remove starch. Pat dry thoroughly with a towel.

Fry potatoes: heat neutral oil in a deep pot or fryer to 160°C (320°F). Fry potatoes in batches 4–5 minutes to cook through but not yet browned (blanch). Remove and drain on paper towel. Increase oil to 190°C (375°F) and fry potatoes again in batches 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper while hot, and keep warm until serving.

Check all components: ensure patties have melted cheese, bacon is crispy, rib is warmed, coleslaw and sauce are ready, buns toasted and fries hot.

Plate: place the assembled WTF Burger on a plate with a generous portion of fries on the side. Optionally serve extra burger sauce and pickles on the side.