Name: GastroParks Brazilian Burger Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp Kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbs vegetable oil (for cooking patties); 8 oz Queijo coalho or firm mild white cheese (can substitute halloumi or provolone if unavailable); 1 tbs olive oil (for grilling cheese); 6 oz firm melting cheese slices or grated (provolone, mozzarella, or parmesan blend); 0.5 cups neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola); 2 tbs all-purpose flour (for dusting); 4 each burger buns (brioche or potato roll recommended); 2 tbs butter (softened, for toasting buns); 0.25 cups mayonnaise; 2 tbs sweet pepper relish or chimichurri (optional); 1 each tomato (sliced); 0.25 cups red onion (thinly sliced); 4 each lettuce leaves (washed)

Method

Burger Patties

Form and season patties

Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into patties slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink). Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent doming. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, swirl to coat. When shimmering, add patties and cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). Avoid pressing down on the patties. If using a thermometer, cook to 160°F (71°C) for well-done. Remove cooked patties to a plate and loosely tent with foil.

Brazilian Cheese Topping (Queijo Coalho-style)

Prepare cheese for grilling

Slice the queijo coalho or substitute into four 1/2-inch-thick slabs. Pat dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture and brush lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil on both sides.

Grill cheese

In a separate nonstick skillet or on the same griddle set to medium, place the cheese slices and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and slight color but remain springy. Remove and keep warm. These will sit on top of the patties to provide that characteristic Brazilian grilled-cheese flavor.

Fried Cheese (Crispy Cheese Disks)

Form fried cheese disks

If using grated cheese, form into small loose mounds (about 2–3 tablespoons each) on a piece of parchment and press into 3–4 inch rounds. If using slices, dust both sides lightly with the 2 tablespoons flour (this helps crisping).

Fry cheese

Pour 1/2 cup neutral oil into a small skillet and heat over medium. When oil is hot (small bubble test with a drop of water or reach ~325°F/160°C), add cheese rounds or floured slices in a single layer—do not overcrowd. Fry 1–2 minutes per side until edges are crisp and golden. Use a spatula to flip carefully. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. These become crunchy cheese accents to tuck into the burger for added texture.

Buns & Assembly

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the 4 buns. In a clean skillet or on the griddle over medium heat, toast buttered sides until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Mix mayonnaise topping

In a small bowl, stir the 1/4 cup mayonnaise with the optional 2 tablespoons sweet pepper relish or 2 tablespoons chimichurri (if using) until combined. Taste and adjust to preference.

Assemble burgers

Spread mayonnaise mixture on both toasted bun halves. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a tomato slice and a few red onion rings. Place the cooked beef patty on top. Immediately place a grilled queijo coalho slice on each hot patty so it softens slightly and adheres. Add one fried cheese disk per burger (tuck to the side or on top of the cheese) for a crispy bite. Finish with top bun and press lightly to set.

Serve

Serve the burgers hot with fries or a simple salad. Recommend providing extra napkins—the fried cheese can be messy but delicious.