Islak Burger (Wet Burger)

Ingredients for Islak Burger (Wet Burger)

• 675g beef mince chuck (20% fat)

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, divided

• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, divided

• 5 tablespoons (or more) unsalted butter, divided

• 60g tomato paste

• 4 hamburger or brioche buns

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 204°C. Mix beef, parsley, half of garlic, and 1 teaspoon paprika in a large bowl. Divide into 4 loosely packed patties 4" wide and 3/4" thick. Make a small indentation in the centre with your thumb to help keep it flat as it grills. Chill until ready to use.

Meanwhile, cook 4 tablespoons butter and remaining garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally, until butter turns caramel-brown and smells nutty, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and remaining 1/2 teaspoons paprika, whisk to combine, and cook until paste begins to caramelize, about 30 seconds. Add 180ml water and whisk until smooth; simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook buns, cut side down, until cut sides are golden-brown, about 2 minutes (you may need to do this in 2 batches, using additional butter if needed). Using a brush, generously brush cut side of buns with tomato sauce. Transfer buns to a 13x9" glass baking pan.

Add oil to skillet and increase heat to high; heat until oil begins to smoke. Season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook burgers until lightly charred on the bottom, 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook to desired doneness, 2–3 minutes for medium-rare.

Transfer burgers to pan with sauce and coat burgers in sauce. Transfer burgers to bun bottoms and top with top bun. Brush top of bun with sauce. Cover pan with foil, transfer to oven, and bake 5 minutes. Carefully remove foil and serve immediately.

Raw burger patties and sauce can be made 3 days ahead; cover separately and chill. Reheat sauce in a medium saucepan over medium, whisking until smooth.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.