Here it is May 14th! The middle of Spring… I know our weather hasn’t really felt like it yet, but we are beginning grill season. Eric pulled our grill out of the garage 2 weeks ago. We have yet to take the cover off. No matter what the weather this weekend, we ARE going to grill!
Of the many food items to grill, my favorite is the Burger! In efforts to create healthier meals for my family  we have been using a lot of ground chicken or ground turkey in leiu of beef. My kids hardly notice the difference. (I do of course, there is nothing like a great juicy beef burger, but lets be a little healthier.) The following recipe is one we created last summer that has a wonderful summertime feel to it. The flavors of the crisp asian slaw compliment the burger. Try it with no bun for a bright-tasting treat! This is a feel good meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy and bogged down. Great for spring & summer!
Asian inspired Burger
3 pounds ground chicken or turkey
8 green onions, including some green parts, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tamari
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
salt & freshly ground pepper (about 1/4 tsp of each)
1 tbsp canola oil
Preheat your grill.
In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the onions, garlic, tamari, cilantro, ginger, pepper & salt. Work the ingredients into the meat just until evenly distributed. Do not overmix. Form into 6 patties. Use a small knife to score a large X in the top of each patty. (this helps retain some juices)
Coat the burger with oil and sear the burgers on the grill for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a “cooler” part of the grill and cook for about 5 more minutes. (be sure it’s cooked through)
Put a burger on a plate and top with the slaw. I like to garnish with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy!
Asian Slaw
5 cups finely shredded green or red cabbage (or mix them for a nice bright color)
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced (julienned)
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
3 tbsp tamari
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
In a large bowl, toss the cabbage, carrots, green onions & cilantro together.
In a small bowl, whisk the tamari, oil &Â lime together. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss, and set aside at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Add salt & pepper.
