Juicy Home Skillet Burger

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I just love a great burger! I’m working on a skillet burger recipe, since I don’t have a grill in Napa (yet). I did two things to ensure juiciness with this burger: 1. the recipe includes heavy cream which, apparently, tenderizes the ground beef, and 2. added chopped pancetta I happened to have in the fridge. I can confirm that this process will get you a super juicy burger even when it’s well done like I did this one!

Home Skillet Burger

Ingredients (makes 4 burgers):

  • 1 lb. ground beef (I prefer 80% lean to keep the beef juice)

  • 4 oz. pancetta, chopped

  • 1 1/2 tbsp. heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder

  • 1 tsp. onion powder

  • 1 tsp. salt (more or less to your taste)

  • fresh ground pepper, to your taste

  • cheese (your flavor of choice, I used a white cheddar, horseradish - delish!)

  • other toppings: your choice, of course. I used sliced fresh red onion, ripe sliced avocado, sliced tomato, crispy iceberg lettuce and Mt. Olive kosher dill pickles.

  • burger buns, I used a soft, seeded bun.

Instructions:

  1. Mix together all ingredients, except toppings, in a bowl. I use my hands and gently mix. Don’t overdo it, you don’t want the meat to toughen.

  2. Shape into patties - this will make about 4, or 3 if you like them on the thicker side.

  3. Add your patties to a pre-heated medium-high skillet with just a little bit of oil. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 3 or so minutes on the other side, depending on how you like your burgers. (Medium-Rare 130-135f, Medium 140-145f, Medium-Well 150-155f). If you’re adding cheese, put that on the burger when you have 1-2 minutes left in cooking time.

  4. Be sure to let the burgers rest 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then… load them up with your toppings and feast!

Skillet Burger Ingredients

Seared Steaks Finished in the Oven

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Playing with my new Lodge cast iron skillet, I’ve been honing my steak cooking skills! I start by generously coating the steaks with flaked sea salt and fresh ground pepper. This helps get that yummy crust from the sear. So good!

Ingredients

  • 2 four oz sirloin steaks

  • flaked salt & fresh ground pepper

  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 2 pads (1 tbsp each) of butter or herb butter

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  2. Generously season steaks with salt and pepper.

  3. Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a cast iron pan on medium high.

  4. When the butter has fully melted, place the steaks in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook 1 minute on the other side.

  5. Then place in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This should get them to a nice medium to medium rare, depending on the steak size. Check table below.

  6. Remove the skillet and set on stove. Top each steak with a pad of butter and let rest for 10 minutes.

I hope you enjoy! As ever, feel free to leave comments. I’m always happy to hear from you!

Temperature Table:

  • rare: 130f

  • medium rare: 135f

  • medium: 145f

  • medium well: 150f

  • well done: 160f

The Fox Burger @FoxBrewPub

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Exploring eats options in Carson City, we found this fantastic place that will surely become a fast favorite! The food, service, ambiance…. The Fox Brew Pub. All of it jams! I had the Fox Burger. Amazing flavor profile! It’s the Bourbon Chipotle Sauce that really takes it over the top!

THE FOX BURGER.: The Original. With jack cheese, bacon, sautéed onions & bourbon chipotle sauce.