Grilled Bison Burgers With Caramelized Onions And Crispy Shiitakes
Feel like a pick-me-up? For your general disposition, that is. Chef and wellness expert Rebecca Katz, along with writer Mat Edelson, penned The Healthy Mind Cookbook. It's full of recipes for dishes that are packed with flavor and extra nutrition where you need it most, and best of all, they look stunning on the plate, like this healthy burger overflowing with beautiful mushrooms.
I know it says bison here, but that lean meat (bison = buffalo) is really just a great excuse to hold a mushroom-a-palooza while getting a load of brain-boosting B12. First, we mix the bison with chopped cremini mushrooms. Then a few crispy shiitakes that have been tossed with smoked paprika and olive oil go on top. In between? Caramelized onions (mmmmmmm). Put it all on a lily pad of butter lettuce and it tastes like a tower of umami! The mushrooms also provide a bit of hard-to-find vitamin D, which University of Kentucky researchers say plays an important role in reducing oxidative damage in the brain that impacts learning.
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 large red onion
- 1 pound ground bison
- 3 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 skinless and boneless anchovies
- Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic
- pinch of red-pepper flakes
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place the shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt, and paprika, tossing until evenly coated. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan and roast until crisp and browned, about 20 minutes.
- To caramelize the onions, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the onion and a generous pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onion is caramelized and very soft, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the pan.
- Place the bison, cremini mushrooms, parsley, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Rinse the anchovies and, in a small bowl or mortar and pestle, mash them to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using the same skillet as the onions, heat the 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes to the mashed anchovies, stirring to combine. Sauté for 1 minute, then transfer to the large bowl with the meat and mushroom mixture. Using your hands, gently mix until everything is well combined. Shape into 4 equal-size patties.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly coat it with a neutral-flavored oil. Grill the patties, turning once, for 3 minutes per side.
- Serve each patty on a lettuce leaf topped with some caramelized onion and crispy shiitake mushrooms.
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