Description: These aren’t your average burgers. The Juicy Lucy is a Minneapolis legend – a burger patty stuffed with molten cheese that bursts forth with every bite. Our version elevates this classic with the addition of tangy, chopped pickles, creating a flavor combination that is both familiar and unexpectedly addictive. Get ready for burger bliss!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Cheesy Core: The heart of the Juicy Lucy is the molten cheese center, delivering an intensely satisfying cheesy explosion.
- Tangy Twist: The chopped pickles provide a welcome burst of acidity and tanginess, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this burger is surprisingly simple to make at home.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the cheese and toppings to your personal preferences.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue or family gathering.
Introduction
The Juicy Lucy. The name itself evokes a sense of playful indulgence. Hailing from the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, this burger has achieved legendary status. The premise is simple: cheese is tucked inside the patty, not merely melted on top. This creates a pocket of molten goodness that erupts upon the first bite.
Our take on the Juicy Lucy amplifies this experience by incorporating finely chopped pickles into the cheesy core. This seemingly simple addition transforms the burger, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich beef and creamy cheese. The pickles’ acidity cuts through the fat, enhancing the overall flavor profile and preventing the burger from feeling heavy.
Forget boring burgers. This Juicy Lucy recipe is a journey for your taste buds. We’ll guide you through the process of crafting the perfect stuffed patty, achieving that coveted molten cheese center, and building a burger that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 500g Morrisons Market Street 15% fat beef mince: The fat content is crucial for flavor and moisture. Don’t skimp! 15% is a good balance, but you can experiment with higher or lower fat percentages depending on your preference. Higher fat will result in a juicier, more flavorful burger but may require more careful handling to prevent crumbling.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (we used Dunn’s River): All-purpose seasoning adds a complex flavor base. Feel free to use your favorite blend, but ensure it contains a good balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. If you don’t have all-purpose seasoning, you can create your own using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (like thyme or oregano), salt, and pepper.
- 6-8 cheese slices, chopped: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone work beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting properly. Chopping the cheese ensures even melting and distribution within the patty. Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavor profiles!
- 2 large pickles, finely chopped: Dill pickles provide the best flavor. Avoid sweet pickles, as they can overpower the other flavors. Finely chopping the pickles ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese filling and provide a consistent tangy flavor in every bite.
- 4 brioche burger buns: Brioche buns are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, providing a perfect complement to the savory burger. Look for buns that are sturdy enough to hold the juicy patty and toppings. If you can’t find brioche, potato buns or other soft burger buns will work as well.
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil: For frying the burgers. Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for pan-frying. You can also use canola oil or other neutral-flavored oils.
- 1 large tomato, sliced, lettuce leaves, ketchup and mayo, and French fries, to serve: These are classic burger toppings. Feel free to customize with your favorites! Consider adding other toppings like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, avocado, or a spicy aioli.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the Morrisons beef mince and all-purpose seasoning. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the burger. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can result in a tough burger.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape 4 portions into larger, very flat patties (about 1/4 inch thick). These will form the base of your Juicy Lucys. Shape the remaining 4 portions into slightly smaller patties (about 1/3 inch thick). These will act as the tops of your stuffed burgers. Ensure the patties are significantly thinner than you would normally make them. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the outside from becoming overly charred before the cheese melts.
Step 3: Stuff the Patties
Take one of the larger, flat patties and place it in the palm of your hand. Spoon a generous amount of chopped cheese and pickle mixture into the center of the patty. Be careful not to overfill it, as this can cause the cheese to leak out during cooking.
Take one of the smaller patties and carefully place it on top of the cheese and pickle mixture. Now, comes the crucial part: carefully fold the edges of the larger patty up and over the smaller patty, sealing the edges tightly. Press firmly to ensure that the filling is completely enclosed and that there are no gaps or cracks. This is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining patties to create a total of 4 Juicy Lucy burgers.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Heat a large frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, toast the cut sides of the brioche buns for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly crispy. This step adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy. Set the toasted buns aside.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Pour the remaining vegetable oil into the frying pan. Heat the pan over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Carefully place two of the stuffed patties into the hot pan, ensuring that there is enough space between them to prevent overcrowding.
Cook the burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing them down gently with a spatula as they cook. This helps to ensure even cooking and a good sear. You’ll know the burgers are ready when they are cooked to medium (internal temperature of 145°F), have a nice crust, and the cheese is melted and oozing on the inside. Repeat with the remaining patties. Handle the patties gently to avoid breaking the seal and causing the cheese to leak out.
Step 6: Rest and Assemble
Remove the cooked burgers from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger. Resting also allows the cheese to cool slightly, preventing it from being scalding hot.
To assemble the burgers, spread ketchup and mayonnaise on the toasted brioche buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a few slices of tomato. Top with the Juicy Lucy burger and the top bun. Serve immediately with French fries or your favorite side dish.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Intermediate (sealing the patties takes a bit of practice)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with classic French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Pair with a crisp coleslaw or a refreshing salad.
- Offer a variety of condiments, such as mustard, relish, and hot sauce.
- Enjoy with a cold beer or a refreshing soda.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked burgers will be dry and tough. Aim for a medium doneness (145°F internal temperature).
- Seal Properly: Ensure the patty edges are tightly sealed to prevent cheese leakage.
- Rest Before Serving: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
- Use Cold Mince: Keeping the mince cold helps it bind together easier and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Flatten Well: The burger patties should be nice and flat before filling, this allows you to easily pinch the edges and ensure there are no open spaces.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 700-800 per burger
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g per burger
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per burger
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created the ultimate Juicy Lucy burger. The combination of juicy beef, molten cheese, and tangy pickles is a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This burger is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family. Experiment with different cheese and topping combinations to create your own signature Juicy Lucy. Remember, the key to a perfect Juicy Lucy is careful sealing and proper cooking. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for these burgers?
A: Absolutely! While beef mince is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground lamb. Keep in mind that leaner meats may require the addition of a binder, such as breadcrumbs or egg, to help hold the patties together. If you’re using turkey or chicken, consider adding some extra fat, like a tablespoon of olive oil, to ensure the burgers remain juicy. Ground lamb works exceptionally well with feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano within the stuffing.
Q2: What if I don’t have brioche buns? What can I substitute?
A: Brioche buns are fantastic because they are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, but they are not essential. Excellent substitutes include potato buns, sesame seed buns, or even sourdough rolls. The most important thing is to choose a bun that is sturdy enough to hold the juicy patty and toppings without falling apart. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own burger buns! Ensure that whatever bun you pick, toasting it is key to help it from becoming soggy.
Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking?
A: Preventing cheese leakage is crucial to creating a successful Juicy Lucy. The most important step is to ensure that the patty edges are tightly sealed. Use your fingers to press the edges firmly together, ensuring that there are no gaps or cracks. You can even use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security. Additionally, avoid overfilling the patty with cheese, as this increases the risk of leakage. Also, keep the heat on medium so that the cheese does not melt quicker than the cooking time and cause it to spill out.
Q4: Can I cook these burgers on the grill instead of in a frying pan?