Close-up of a beef patty with red onion rings in a soft burger bun

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Hamburgers with Grilled Apple and Chili Crisp

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About

Apple does two jobs in these burgers. Half a cup of shredded apple goes into the patty, where it keeps the beef moist and adds a faint sweetness, and thin slices of the same apple are grilled and layered on top for a crisp, juicy contrast.

The other flavour is chili crisp, the crunchy chili oil now sold in most supermarkets. A little goes into the beef with fine breadcrumbs and salt, and more is spooned on when serving. Squeeze the shredded apple before mixing, since the extra moisture makes the patties loose, and pack them tightly: four patties about half an inch thick and four inches across. Grill them covered over medium heat, turning carefully halfway, with the apple slices and thick rounds of red onion alongside. Firm, sweet-tart red apples such as Fuji, Gala or Pink Lady hold up best on the grill.

Ingredients

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Apple2 red apples, cored (such as Fuji, Gala, and/or Pink Lady)
Ground beef1 pound ground beef
Breadcrumbs1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
Chili crisp1 tablespoon plus 2 tsp. chili crisp, plus more for serving
Salt1/2 teaspoon salt
Red onion2 (1/3-inch) slices red onion
Burger bun4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Mayonnaise1/4 cup mayonnaise

Recipe

1
Slice 1 apple using a mandoline slicer to create 8 (¼-inch-thick) slices. Shred any remaining scraps plus all or part of the second apple to get 1/2 cup shredded apple. Squeeze shredded apple to extract some of the moisture. Reserve any remaining apple for another use.
2
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat (350 to 375 degrees F (175 to 190 degrees C)).
3
Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, 3 teaspoons chili crisp, salt, and the 1/2 cup shredded apple in a bowl. Shape into 4 (½-inch-thick) patties, 4 inches in diameter. Mixture may be wet so be sure to tightly pack patties.
4
Oil the grill grate. Grill patties, covered, carefully turning halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into centers of patties reads 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), 10 to 13 minutes. Grill onion slices, turning halfway through, 8 to 10 minutes. Grill apple slices, turning halfway through, 4 to 5 minutes. If you like, grill buns, cut sides down, until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. When onions are cool enough to handle, separate rings.
5
Stir mayonnaise and remaining 2 teaspoons chili crisp together in a small bowl. Spread buns with mayonnaise mixture and fill with patties, onion, and apple slices. Serve with additional chili crisp if desired.

Original recipe and photos: Allrecipes