Pub Burger Recipe

Slice the yellow onion thinly. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, stir to coat. Cook gently, stirring every few minutes, until onions become soft and deep golden brown, about 25–35 minutes. If they cling or need a boost of sweetness, add brown sugar after 10–15 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar in the last minute, then remove from heat and set aside (yields ~1 cup).

Prepare potatoes

Peel (optional) and cut russet potatoes into 1/4–1/2 inch sticks. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear to remove starch, then dry thoroughly on clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Cook fries

Heat oil in a heavy skillet or deep pot to 325°F (if you have a thermometer) or medium-high until shimmering. Fry potatoes in batches without crowding for 3–4 minutes until tender but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Fry batches again 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Finish fries

While still hot, toss fries in a bowl with truffle oil, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and sea salt. Taste and adjust salt or truffle oil (use truffle oil sparingly). Keep warm until serving.

Form patties

Divide ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than buns; avoid overworking. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce bulging.

Season

Season both sides of the patties with kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly brush or sprinkle Worcestershire sauce on one side of each patty.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil if the surface is dry. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last minute of cooking, scatter half of the blue cheese crumbles on each patty and cover with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese, about 30–60 seconds.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the buns with unsalted butter. Toast buttered sides in a skillet over medium heat or on a griddle until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Make sauce (optional)

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Adjust to taste. This sauce can be spread on the top/bottom bun.

Assemble burgers

Spread optional sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add a tomato slice, then set the blue-cheese-topped patty. Pile caramelized onions on the patty, add house pickle slices, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately with truffle fries on the side.