The Peanut Bacon Burger: A Savory Delight with a Nutty Twist
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Pork, Fruit, Nuts, Meat, Kid-Friendly, Potluck, Broil/Grill, < 30 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 3
Calories: 747.9 kcal
Fat Content: 57.5 g
Saturated Fat Content: 19.7 g
Cholesterol Content: 177.3 mg
Sodium Content: 1032.1 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 5.4 g
Fiber Content: 1.4 g
Sugar Content: 1.9 g
Protein Content: 50.7 g
Description
Indulge in a unique and tantalizing combination of flavors with the Peanut Bacon Burger. This inventive burger marries the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the salty crunch of bacon, creating a taste explosion that’s both surprising and irresistible. Originally discovered in a charming restaurant, this recipe has been a beloved home staple ever since, offering a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a snack.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need to create this mouthwatering burger:
- 6 slices of bacon – crispy and smoky, adding a delightful crunch.
- 2 pounds of ground beef – juicy and flavorful, forming the base of your burger.
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce – adding a deep, savory umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of salt – enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder – giving a subtle garlic warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper – for a hint of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce (optional) – for a spicy kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne (optional) – for those who love extra heat.
- 1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter – the star ingredient, bringing nutty richness.
- 2 teaspoons of soy sauce – balancing the sweetness with a salty note.
- 2 garlic cloves, squished – for an aromatic punch.
- 3 tablespoons of chicken broth – adjusting the thickness of the grilling sauce.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon:
- Cut and Fry: Begin by cutting the bacon strips in half, creating 12 pieces approximately 4 inches long. Fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy, ensuring the strips remain as straight as possible. Using a bacon weight can help keep them flat. Once done, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain the excess grease.
2. Drain the Pan:
- Remove Excess Fat: Drain the bacon fat from the pan but don’t wipe it out completely. Turn off the heat and leave the pan as it is; you’ll be using it again soon.
3. Mix the Beef Patties:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and optional Tabasco or cayenne. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Prepare the Grilling Sauce:
- Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the chunky peanut butter with soy sauce, squished garlic, and chicken broth. This mixture will serve as your grilling sauce. If it’s too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until you reach a consistency you prefer. Thicker sauce clings well to the patties during grilling.
5. Form the Patties:
- Shape the Beef: Divide the beef mixture into six equal portions and shape them into patties, pressing gently to ensure even thickness.
6. Cook the Burgers:
- Grill with Sauce: Reheat the pan and cook the beef patties over medium heat, brushing them occasionally with the prepared grilling sauce. Flip the burgers and brush again until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. You may add more chicken broth to extend the sauce or a bit of melted butter for extra richness.
7. Assembly and Serving:
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb serving, place the burgers on a plate and top with crispy bacon. You can enjoy them with or without lettuce and tomato.
- High-Carb Option: For a more traditional serving, place the patties in a bun and add crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese as desired. Enjoy the juicy, nutty, and savory combination in every bite.
Detailed Ingredient Insights
Understanding each ingredient’s role and contribution to the overall flavor profile will enhance your appreciation of this innovative burger.
1. Bacon:
The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that complements the creamy peanut butter. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the juicy beef patty, creating a satisfying bite every time.
2. Ground Beef:
A good quality ground beef with an appropriate fat content (around 80/20) ensures the burgers are juicy and flavorful. The beef serves as the primary canvas on which the peanut and bacon flavors are painted.
3. Worcestershire Sauce:
This classic sauce enhances the meat’s natural umami flavors with its complex mix of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and spices. It adds depth to the patties without overpowering the peanut butter.
4. Salt and Pepper:
Basic seasoning staples that enhance the overall taste, ensuring the patties are well-flavored and balanced.
5. Garlic Powder and Squished Garlic:
Using both garlic powder and fresh garlic provides a layered garlic flavor that infuses the beef patties and the peanut sauce with a warm, aromatic note.
6. Tabasco Sauce and Cayenne (Optional):
These optional ingredients add a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter. Use according to your heat preference.
7. Chunky Peanut Butter:
The star of the show, chunky peanut butter adds a nutty sweetness and a creamy texture with bits of crunch. It pairs remarkably well with both bacon and beef, offering an unusual yet delightful combination.
8. Soy Sauce:
Adding soy sauce to the peanut butter mixture introduces a salty, umami flavor that balances the peanut butter’s sweetness, making the sauce more complex and savory.
9. Chicken Broth:
The chicken broth is used to adjust the consistency of the grilling sauce, ensuring it can be brushed onto the patties and adds moisture and flavor during cooking.
Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Bacon Burger
**1. Bacon Preparation: Keep the bacon as straight as possible while frying for a neater presentation. Using a bacon weight helps maintain a uniform shape, making it easier to layer on the burger.
**2. Grilling Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the peanut grilling sauce according to your preference. A thicker sauce clings better to the patties and provides a richer flavor, while a thinner sauce distributes more evenly.
**3. Cooking the Patties: Ensure even cooking by pressing the patties gently and making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb. This prevents the patties from puffing up in the middle and helps them cook evenly.
**4. Low-Carb Adjustments: If you’re following a low-carb diet, use the peanut sauce sparingly as peanuts are higher in carbs. Focus on the peanut butter’s flavor rather than quantity to keep the carb count low.
**5. Bun Selection: For those opting for the high-carb version, choose a bun that complements the burger without overpowering it. Brioche or potato buns offer a soft, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory peanut butter and bacon.
Nutritional Breakdown
The nutritional values for this burger are based on generous servings, making it a hearty meal. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional content:
- Calories: 747.9 kcal – A high-calorie count, making it a filling option suitable for lunch or a substantial snack.
- Fat Content: 57.5 g – The burger is rich in fats, mainly due to the bacon and ground beef. The peanut butter also contributes to the fat content.
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.7 g – Saturated fats come primarily from bacon and beef, providing a hearty, indulgent taste.
- Cholesterol Content: 177.3 mg – A significant amount, mainly from animal-based ingredients.
- Sodium Content: 1032.1 mg – High sodium content due to bacon, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.4 g – Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets when served without a bun.
- Fiber Content: 1.4 g – Fiber content is modest, primarily from peanut butter.
- Sugar Content: 1.9 g – Low sugar content, mostly from natural ingredients.
- Protein Content: 50.7 g – High in protein, making it a good option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
**1. Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb twist, serve the burger in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. This adds a refreshing crunch and keeps the dish light.
**2. Avocado: Adding slices of avocado can complement the peanut butter and bacon with a creamy, buttery texture. Avocado also adds healthy fats and enhances the burger’s overall nutritional profile.
**3. Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha or hot sauce and spread it on the bun or the lettuce wrap for an added layer of flavor.
**4. Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp contrast, while blue cheese offers a tangy, rich flavor that pairs well with the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
**5. Additional Toppings: Customize your burger with a variety of toppings such as grilled onions, jalapeños, or pickles for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Peanut Bacon Burger offers an adventurous blend of flavors, combining the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter with the savory crunch of bacon and the juicy goodness of a beef patty. This recipe is quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a snack when you’re craving something out of the ordinary. Whether you opt for the low-carb or high-carb version, this burger is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Enjoy this culinary journey and make every bite an experience to remember!
