Umami Meatloaf Burger
Author Notes: I had created this recipe several months ago for Your Best Meatloaf theme: Since my oven debacle, I've been using the stovetop to cook a lot. Not many stovetop meatloaf recipes out there to inspire me, but recently, I watched Giada digging into an umami burger on one of her shows. Which led me to thinking, "hmmmm...I wonder...." White On Rice Couple has an Umami Burger recipe on their site, so I found some inspiration there, too. In case you're wondering, umami, the so-called fifth primary taste, contributes savoriness to a dish. Flavor Bible has a whole section on umami-rich foods. You should definitely check it out! If you prefer smaller burgers, you can divide the meat into 8 portions (about a quarter-pound each) and use Martin's mini Whole Wheat Potato Buns. - mrslarkin
Serves 4 to 6
for the umami ketchup
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons mellow (sweet) white miso
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
for the umami burgers
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 onion, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup cubed bread (I used one small Martin's whole wheat potato bun)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 recipe of umami ketchup
- watercress
- sliced aged cheddar, grated Parmigiano, crumbled gorgonzola, Stilton or sliced American cheese
- 4 - 6 large hamburger buns
- Mix all ketchup ingredients together and blend well. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Place beef, fish sauce, garlic, onion, and sugar in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine bread cubes and milk. Mix together until bread is uniformly moist. Add to beef, with the egg.
- Add half of the umami ketchup to the beef. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. Cover bowl with plastic and chill for at least 1/2 hour.
- Form 4 to 6 equal-sized patties (about 5 oz. to 8 oz. each). Don't pack the meat, or handle it too much. Use a light hand for the best juicy burger results. Chill the patties until you are ready to cook.
- Heat a non-stick pan to medium-low. Cook burgers for 4 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.
- Turn heat down to low. Top burgers with cheese of your choice. Cover pan for a minute, or until cheese begins to melt.
- Build your burger! Place watercress on bottom bun. Top with burger. Generously slather umami ketchup over. Serve with potato chips, or lastnightsdinner's Red Hot Onion Rings.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Beef Burgers
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Meatloaf
Tags: can be made ahead, Cocktail Party, entertaining, Ketchup, savory, serves a crowd, umami



almost 3 years ago lapadia
Beautiful photo and recipe...I can taste it!
almost 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Thanks, lapadia! It's definitely a burger with a twist!
about 3 years ago Lizthechef
Will you teach me how to take photos? I'm salivating, also seconding the recommendation for The Flavor Bible. I took your suggestion and now own a copy- need to sit down and dig in, to both!
about 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Thanks, Liz! For some reason, the kitchen lights over my stove seem to act as a spotlight. And close-ups, close-ups, close-ups, is the #1 tip from my photog friends. You're going to love the Flavor Bible!
about 3 years ago student epicure
YUM!
about 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Thanks, SE!
about 3 years ago aargersi
Abbie is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Wow, yum. This sounds amazing and the photo is great! This could be moved outside to the grill as well, yes?
about 3 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Thanks, aargersi! I think it would grill up nicely. The patties are pretty moist though, so if grilling, I might use just an egg yolk in the mix, instead of the full egg.
about 3 years ago aargersi
Abbie is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Ah - good idea ... burger season is definitly upon us! I also just ordered the Flavor Bible :-)