Deep Fried Panko-Coated Breaded Cheeseburger

Directions

1. Take the meat and separate it into 8 equally sized pieces. Then form reasonably flat patties with them. Make sure that the patties are large enough such that the slice of cheese, when laid on top, is smaller than the patty.
2. Then, place the slice of cheese on top of one of the patties, taking another patty and placing it on top. Seal in the piece of cheese by pushing the meat around it, making sure not to create air bubbles. Repeat for the rest of the patties.
3. Take out 3 plates and put the flour on the first one, the two eggs (mixed) on the second, and panko breading on the last. For a real kick, you can used seasoned panko. Italian seasoned is nice.
4. Take each patty carefully dredging it in the flour, then dipping in egg, then covering in the panko breadcrumbs. Place on a clean plate or tray.
5. While doing this, heat up your pan until reasonably hot and add the oil. Or, this next step can be done in a deep fryer.
6. When you feel the oil is hot, test it by throwing in a small clump of bread crumb/egg mixture. If it sizzles and begins to cook, it is the correct temperature. If it scalds, turn down the heat and wait for the oil to cool. If the breadcrumbs don't sizzle, fish out the test piece and try again in a few minutes. If you have a thermometer, heat the oil to about 350 degrees. Nothing is worse than frying in oil that is the wrong temperature.
7. When the oil is the correct temperature, place the patties into the pan (or deep fryer) carefully. If you are using a pan and "shallow frying", turn the burgers as the breadcrumbs begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Don't crowd the patties, if you need to, cook in shifts.
8. While the burgers are frying, take out a clean plate and lay 3-4 paper towels on it. You will be using this to drain the excess oil from the burgers. At this time, you can also chop your lettuce, slice the onion/tomato, and toast your buns. But don't forget the burgers and check on them often.
9. When the burgers are evenly browned, remove from the pan/fryer and place on the paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let sit for at least 2-3 minutes prior to serving as the cheese inside of the patty will be very hot and can cause burns.
10. Then construct your burger, eat, and enjoy!