Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaCorner Market* Recipe

Corner Market* Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time35m
Serves1

brioche bun, american cheese, charro sauce, pickle, L.T.O.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Charro Sauce

Pickles (quick)

Buns & Toppings

Method

Charro Sauce

  1. 1

    Prepare ingredients

    Dice the 1/2 yellow onion, seed and finely chop the jalapeño, core and dice the roma tomato, mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, drain and rinse the pinto beans, and cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.

  2. 2

    Cook bacon and aromatics

    Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and some fat has rendered, about 4–5 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add tomato and beans

    Add the diced tomato and 1/2 cup drained pinto beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook 2–3 minutes to break down the tomato.

  4. 4

    Simmer and season

    Pour in 60 ml chicken stock, add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp kosher salt, bring to a gentle simmer and cook 6–8 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly and flavors concentrate.

  5. 5

    Finish the sauce

    Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. For a smoother, saucier texture suitable for a burger, partially mash the mixture with a fork or pulse 3–4 times in a blender or food processor (leave some texture). Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed. Keep warm or set aside at room temperature.

Pickles (quick)

  1. 6

    Make quick pickle brine

    In a small bowl combine 60 ml white vinegar, 60 ml water, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp kosher salt. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.

  2. 7

    Pickle the slices

    Place 4 dill pickle slices in the brine, ensuring they are submerged. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes while you cook the burger; longer will intensify flavor. Drain before assembling.

Burger Patties

  1. 8

    Form and season

    Divide 6 oz ground beef into a single patty (or shape two thinner patties if preferred). Form a loose ball and press into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to reduce doming. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

  2. 9

    Cook the patty

    Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place the patty in the pan and cook without moving 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium; during the last 30–60 seconds place 1 slice American cheese on the patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.

  3. 10

    Rest

    Remove the cooked patty to a plate and let rest 1–2 minutes while you toast the bun and finish assembly.

Buns & Toppings

  1. 11

    Toast brioche bun

    Butter both cut faces of the brioche bun with 1 tbsp unsalted butter. In a separate skillet or the same pan wiped clean, heat over medium and toast the cut sides, buttered-side down, until golden and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. 12

    Assemble the burger

    Spread 1–2 tbsp of the charro sauce on the bottom toasted bun. Place the rested cheeseburger patty on top of the sauce. Add the quick-pickled dill slices, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice tomato, and 2 rings of red onion. Spoon an additional tablespoon of charro sauce over the toppings if desired. Close with the top bun and press lightly.

  3. 13

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot. Leftover charro sauce keeps refrigerated up to 3 days.

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