Seoul-Full Kimchee Burgers

Ingredients

Basting Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 teaspoons Asian chile sauce (Sriracha)
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing on grill rack

Burgers

1 pound ground sirloin
1 pound ground chuck
1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
4 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

6 good-quality sesame seed hamburger buns, split horizontally
6 leaves Napa cabbage
1 medium English cucumber, unreeled, sliced into thin rounds

1 1/2 cups prepared kimchee

wooden picks as needed

Instructions

For basting sauce: In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, the vinegar, the ginger, the garlic, the chile sauce, the sugar and the sesame oil. Set aside.

Preheat a gras grill for direct cooking on a medium-high heat. When the grill is ready brush the grids with vegetable oil.

For burgers: In a large bowl combine the sirloin, the chuck, the green onions, the fresh ginger, the soy sauce, the garlic, the salt and the pepper. Toss until just blended. Divide the mixture into 6 equal sized patties. TAKE CARE NOT TO COMPRESS THE BEEF TOO TIGHTLY.

Place the patties on the oiled grids and cook, turning once, until done to preference, about 5 -7 minutes per side for medium. Baste frequently with basting sauce. During last 2 minutes of grilling place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the grill to toast lightly.

ASSEMBLY: Place a cabbage leaf on the toasted side of each bun bottom. Place a concentric ring of overlapping cucumber slices on each cabbage leaf. Place one cooked patty on top of each cucumber ring. Top each patty with 2 tablespoons of kimchee. Place a bun top, toasted side down on top of each kimchee topped patty. If necessary secure burgers with wooden picks.

Makes 6 burgers.