You’re sure to thoroughly enjoy an unconventional twist on the American hamburger thanks to this deliciously sweet and savory burger recipe from Food52. This particular recipe is so popular on the recipe blog because it combines the diverse, sensational flavors of spicy beef, sweet fig jam, tangy goat cheese, and the earth-flavored arugula to create an unforgettable hamburger. Whether you’re enjoying it on a porch, patio, kitchen table, or beside a pool, it’s reliable and always enjoyable, and this is great news because the deliciousness of this meal cannot be stopped or lessened if it is cooked on a barbecue grill or cast-iron skillet.

Some of the unconventional toppings found in this hamburger recipe are from the chef’s love for those unusual toppings, such as peanut butter or apples, that have made their way onto various hamburger patties nationwide in a semi-recent trend. What’s resulted is a meal that’s not light on flavor, but because of the various textures and diverse tastes coming together, you’re not left overwhelmed as a result. Instead, you’re left wanting more having enjoyed your first (of possible many helpings).

Ingredients:

2 hamburger buns

½ pound of ground beef (fat percentage to your liking)

½ to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon of onion powder

¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 to 3 tablespoons of fig jam (freshly canned, if available)

2 ounces of goat cheese (fresh)

1 handful of arugula

1 teaspoon of olive oil

Recipe:

1. You’ll begin this recipe by preheating your oven to 350° F. While this is heating up, place a sheet of oven-safe parchment paper onto a baking sheet. When the oven is at 350° F, place your hamburger buns face down onto the sheet tray, and toast them in the oven for approximately 10 minutes. Be watchful throughout and careful so as to not burn them.
2. While the buns are toasting, take out a small mixing bowl, drizzle some olive oil over your arugula, and season it with salt and pepper. Then give it a toss.
3. Then, grab another mixing bowl and combine your ground beef with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. While you can use a safe cooking utensil to mix these ingredients, many burger chefs prefer to use their hands to mix the meat with the seasoning. You’ll want to mix the ingredients together and then form two solid beef patties. You can be gloved throughout this process, but either way, you should follow the handling and mixing of raw meat with a thorough washing of your wrists, arms, and hands with soap and water before touching anything else.
4. Now it’s time to prepare your cooking surface. Obviously, this meal can be best prepared on a lit grill, but if you’re cooking on the stovetop, you’ll want to heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt your butter or oil in the skillet and then carefully place your patties into the pan. If the skillet’s properly heated, you’ll hear an auditory sizzle as you cook the patties for approximately 2 to 3 minutes before you flip them over. Note: your cooking time will vary depending on the particular thickness of your patties, so do consider utilizing a meat thermometer.
5. After they’re flipped, place some goat cheese on top of each patty in order to warm and soften the cheese. Follow this by cooking the second side for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Lastly, it’s time to assemble your meal! Spread the fig jam on the bottom bun to prevent too much of a mess, put your patty on top, and then put the arugula between the cheese-topped burger and your top bun.
7. Enjoy!

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