Pineapple-Wasabi Burger

2014 Derby Burger

Created by Zoe Badillo, Louisville

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1⁄2 cup pineapple juice

1⁄2 cup thinly sliced green onions

2 tablespoons tomato paste

11⁄2 teaspoons fresh or dried chopped chives

11⁄2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

Salt and pepper to taste

4 whole-wheat or regular hamburger buns, split and toasted

Wasabi-Mayonnaise Spread:

1⁄4 cup mayonnaise

2 to 4 tablespoons wasabi paste

Toppings:

Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, white onion slices, caramelized or grilled pineapple slices

Preparation:

  1. Combine ground beef, pineapple juice, green onions, tomato paste, chives and mint in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape beef mixture into four 1⁄2-inch-thick patties.
  2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add patties and cook 10-12 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Season burgers with salt and pepper, as desired.
  3. Combine mayonnaise and wasabi in a small bowl.
  4. Place lettuce on the bottom of each bun and top with tomato, onion and pineapple slices. Add the burger and top it with the wasabi-mayonnaise spread.

Cook’s Tip: To caramelize pineapple slices, heat a small amount of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted. Place pineapple slices in the skillet and cook until heated through and edges begin to brown. Turn slices over to brown the other side.