John Relihan’s bacon jam burger

Bacon Jam Burger
Serves: 4
Course: Dinner
Ingredients
  • For the caramelised onions:
  • 2 red onions, peeled and sliced
  • 100ml red cooking wine
  • 50g white sugar
  • For the bacon jam:
  • 400g sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 50g white onion, peeled and finely diced
  • 80ml balsamic vinegar
  • 80g brown sugar
  • For the burgers:
  • 4 (170g) burger patties
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 50g per burger of the onion relish
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 60g bacon jam
  • 40g unsalted butter
  1. For the caramelised onions, firstly cook the red onion and the red cooking wine for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring as it cooks.
  2. Once the onion is cooked add the sugar and let it reduce for 20 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens.
  3. For the bacon jam, place a pan over medium heat and cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is browned, but not overly crispy. This should take about 15 minutes.
  4. Drain all but two tablespoons of fat from the pan. Add all the bacon back to the pan.
  5. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onions are translucent, about six minutes.
  6. Add the vinegar and brown sugar to the pan and bring to a light simmer. Make sure you stir and do not let it stick to the pan.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid turns syrupy and almost completely evaporates, this should take about 15 minutes.
  8. Now your bacon jam and onions are ready, it’s time to cook your burgers. Place a large non-stick frying pan on high heat. Add the oil, then gently place the patties in the pan. Fry for five minutes on one side, then flip them over and fry for five minutes on the other side. Use a thermometer/ temperature probe to ensure the burgers are fully cooked.
  9. Place a slice of the cheese on the pattie and just give it a few minutes to melt. Once the patties are cooked, put them on a tray.
  10. Heat the bacon jam in a small pot and keep it hot.
  11. Toast your burger buns and once toasted brush with some melted butter. Place the caramelised onions on the bottom bun. Place the burger and the melted cheese on top
  12. And now for the magic – spoon the bacon jam on top of the cheese, bun on top and serve.