“I’m Nuts” Burger

Ingredients

Ingredients:
Patties 1 1/4 pounds (20 ounces) ground beef chuck
5 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/3 cup finely ground flax seeds
3 tablespoons coarsely-chopped cashews
3 tablespoons coarsely-chopped almonds
3 tablespoons shelled sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons coarsely-chopped roasted peanuts
Sesame Sauce
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger vegetable oil for brushing grill
6 4-inch sesame seed hamburger buns, split
3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

Directions: To make the patties, mix ground chuck, 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, ground flax seed, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts in a medium-sized bowl and mix well to combine. Form into 6 burgers, each about 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Refrigerate burgers until time to cook. To make the sesame sauce, heat grill to medium heat. When grill is ready, place an 8-inch square disposable aluminum cake pan on the uncovered grill and pour in the sesame seeds. Using a wooden spoon, quickly and constantly stir the seeds and shake the pan (using a heat-proof mit) until they are lightly toasted and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Temporarily remove the toasted seeds to a separate container. Place the pan back on the grill and pour in the beef stock and cornstarch, stir until stock is heated and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the sesame oil, remaining soy sauce, and honey, and stir to combine. Stirring frequently, allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to about 2/3 of its original volume (about 20-25 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the reserved toasted sesame seeds and the ginger. Cover and set aside to keep warm. Brush the grill rack with the vegetable oil. Place the patties on the grill and cover. Cook 5-6 minutes to medium well on one side, then turn and cook an additional five minutes. In the last couple of minutes before patties are done, place halves of buns, cut sides down, on outside edges of grill to toast. To assemble the burgers, remove bun bottoms from the grill and spread each with 1 tablespoon of the sesame sauce. Top with 1/2 cup shredded lettuce. Add a patty. Divide the remaining sesame sauce equally and spoon on top of the patties. Add the bun tops and serve. Makes 6 burgers