Are you tired of the same old burger toppings? Looking to elevate your burger game with unique flavors? We have just the recipe for you! Introducing the Black Olive Burger with a Japanese vinegar twist. This gourmet burger combines the classic flavors of a black olive burger with the complexity of Japanese black vinegar. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this tantalizing combination.
How to Make the Black Olive Burger
To make the black olive burger, start by gently mixing freshly ground beef with Japanese black vinegar. Be careful not to overmix the meat as it can result in a denser texture. Form the beef mixture into patties slightly wider than the width of the buns and season with kosher salt. Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Meanwhile, combine oil-cured black olives and mayonnaise in a small bowl and refrigerate. This combination creates a briny and flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the richness of the beef. The oil-cured black olives add a unique twist to the traditional olive burger recipe, elevating its flavor profile.
Once the patties have chilled, it’s time to cook them. Grill the patties over high heat until they are well charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness. The high heat will give the patties a delicious smoky flavor and a satisfying crust. Make sure to flip the patties only once during grilling to maintain their juiciness.
After grilling, top each patty with slices of Swiss cheese and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and slightly gooey. Swiss cheese is a classic choice for gourmet burgers, imparting a creamy and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the black olive and beef combination.
While the patties are grilling, toast the brioche buns over the coals. The toasting process will give the buns a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. Once the buns are toasted, spread a generous amount of the olive mayonnaise mixture on each half. The olive mayonnaise brings a tangy and briny element to the burger, elevating its overall taste.
Now it’s time to assemble the burger. Place the grilled patty with melted Swiss cheese on the bottom bun, and then top it with the other half of the bun. The combination of the juicy beef patty, creamy melted cheese, and tangy olive mayo on the soft and toasted brioche bun creates a mouthwatering experience.
Serve the black olive burger immediately while it’s still hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors that the Japanese black vinegar and oil-cured black olives bring to this homemade gourmet burger.
The Flavor of Japanese Vinegar
Japanese black vinegar, also known as kurozu, is the key ingredient that adds a unique flavor to the black olive burger. It imparts a savory bass note and a slight tang that complements the richness of the beef. Kurozu is made from a combination of rice, water, and koji (mold), fermented in ceramic jars for several years.
It has a similar taste to Chinese chinkiang vinegar but with a smoother and less soupy consistency. Kurozu is often used in Chinese cuisine for dishes like sweet-and-sour soups and noodles. Its distinct flavor profile and health properties make it a versatile ingredient for marinades and dressings in various recipes, including gourmet burger toppings like the black olive burger.