Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw

Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Servings: 6

Introduction

Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw is a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional burgers. The combination of spicy Szechwan seasoning and refreshing cilantro slaw creates a unique and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a fusion of Asian and American flavors, combining the bold and spicy flavors of Szechwan cuisine with the classic American burger. The addition of the cilantro slaw adds a fresh and zesty element to the dish, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of Kraft cucumber ranch dressing
2 tbsp of minced fresh cilantro
2 tsp of orange juice
1 tsp of kosher salt, divided
1.5 cup of loosely packed shredded cole slaw mix
0.5 cup of diced green onion
1 tbsp of black sesame seeds
vegetable cooking spray for grilling
1.5 lb (680 g) of ground chicken breast
0.25 cup of Kraft Asian toasted sesame dressing
2 tsp of minced garlic
1.5 tsp of Szechwan seasoning
6 sesame seed hamburger buns

How to prepare

In a large bowl, whisk together the first 3 ingredients and 0.25 tsp of salt.
Stir in the coleslaw mix, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Cover and chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Coat a cold cooking grate with cooking spray and place it on the grill.
Preheat the grill to a temperature of 300°F (149°C) to 350°F (medium).
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, next 3 ingredients, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt until well blended.
Shape the mixture into 6 patties, each measuring 0.75 inches in thickness.
Grill the patties, covered with the grill lid, for 5 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through.
Grill the buns, with the cut side down, for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
Place 1 burger on top of each bottom bun, then evenly distribute the slaw mixture on top of the burgers, and finally place the tops of the buns.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken.
Add sliced avocado or pickled jalapenos to the burgers for extra flavor.
Use a different type of slaw mix, such as broccoli slaw or cabbage slaw, for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the slaw mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Preheat the grill to the recommended temperature to ensure that the burgers cook evenly and thoroughly.

- Use a cooking spray on the grill grate to prevent the burgers from sticking.

- Shape the burger patties evenly to ensure that they cook at the same rate.

- Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and texture to the burgers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the burgers adds a smoky flavor and charred exterior to the patties, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular coleslaw dressing instead of ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute regular sesame dressing for the Asian toasted sesame dressing if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The slaw mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. The burger patties can also be shaped in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw with a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover burgers and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the burgers in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ranch dressing) and sesame seeds. It may also contain gluten if regular hamburger buns are used.

Summary

Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold and spicy flavors of Szechwan cuisine with the classic American burger. With a zesty cilantro slaw and juicy grilled chicken patties, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw. It was many years ago, during a trip to China with my husband. We were exploring the bustling streets of Chengdu, known for its spicy Szechwan cuisine. As we wandered through the colorful markets, the enticing aromas of chili peppers, garlic, and ginger filled the air.

One day, we stumbled upon a small street vendor selling these mouthwatering Szechwan burgers. The vendor was a friendly older woman with a warm smile, who welcomed us to try her specialty. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to recreate this delicious dish at home.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, asking her about the secret behind her flavorful burgers. She chuckled and said it was all in the spices and the slaw. She generously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail. I eagerly took notes, soaking in every word as if it were a precious treasure.

Back home, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw. I gathered all the ingredients, carefully following the vendor's instructions. The kitchen was filled with the same intoxicating aroma that had captivated me in Chengdu.

As the burgers sizzled on the grill, I prepared the cilantro slaw, mixing the fresh herbs with a tangy dressing. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine. When I served the burgers to my family, their eyes lit up with delight. They devoured the meal, savoring every bite.

From that day on, the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw became a staple in our household. I would often make them for family gatherings, impressing my guests with the exotic flavors and tantalizing spices. Everyone would ask for the recipe, and I would proudly share the story of how I learned to make these delectable burgers in Chengdu.

Over the years, I have refined the recipe, adding my own twist to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different types of meat, from juicy beef to succulent pork, always striving to perfect the balance of flavors. I have also tweaked the slaw, incorporating new ingredients like jicama and mango for a refreshing twist.

Each time I make the Szechwan Burgers with Cilantro Slaw, I am transported back to that bustling street in Chengdu, where I first discovered the magic of Szechwan cuisine. The recipe has become a symbol of my culinary journey, a reminder of the wonderful experiences I have had exploring different cultures and flavors.

As I pass down this recipe to my children and grandchildren, I hope they too will feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I did when I first learned to make these delicious burgers. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions; it's about creating memories and sharing experiences with loved ones.

So the next time you bite into a juicy Szechwan Burger with Cilantro Slaw, remember the story behind the recipe. Remember the friendly street vendor in Chengdu who shared her secret with a curious traveler. And remember the joy of discovering a new culinary delight that will forever hold a special place in your heart.