ULTIMATE BEEF BURGERS
6 slices bacon
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ tablespoon sriracha
canola oil, for the grill
4 slices (½″ thick) sweet onion
1 ½ pounds ground beef chuck or sirloin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 slices (1 ounce each) sharp cheddar cheese
4 kaiser buns, sliced
16 dill pickle slices
4 tomato slices
4 leaves Boston or Bibb lettuce
Place bacon slices in a large skillet. Cook over medium, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let cool slightly, then break in half.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and sriracha.
Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil. Add onion and cook, flipping halfway through, until lightly charred, 6 minutes. Remove from grill and set aside.
While onion cooks, form beef into 4 patties, pressing an indent into the middle of each. Season outside of patties with salt and pepper. Cook on grill with lid closed until grill marks form, 6 minutes. Flip patties and top each with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 6 to 7 minutes for medium-well (or until they reach desired doneness).
Meanwhile, lightly toast buns. Spread an equal amount of sriracha-mayo on inside of each top bun. Transfer cooked patties to toasted bottom buns and top each with 3 bacon halves, 1 onion slice, 1 tomato slice, 4 pickles, and 1 lettuce leaf. Add top buns and serve. Makes 4 servings.
