Missouri Burger: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Burgers in Missouri

Taiwanese Spicy Beef Noodle: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the bustling night markets of Taiwan! This isn’t just another noodle soup; it’s a symphony of flavors, a comforting embrace in a bowl, and a dish steeped in history and tradition.

Legend has it that Taiwanese Spicy Beef Noodle soup originated in the military villages of Taiwan, where resourceful cooks combined readily available ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Over time, it evolved into a national treasure, a dish that embodies the spirit of Taiwanese cuisine: bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of tender, slow-braised beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, aromatic broth infused with chili bean paste, star anise, and other fragrant spices. The slight kick of spice is balanced by the savory depth of the beef and the comforting warmth of the broth. People adore it for its complex flavors, satisfying texture, and the sheer joy of slurping up every last drop. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, this Taiwanese Spicy Beef Noodle recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Burger Patties:
• 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, your preference)
• 1/4 cup Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
• For the “Missouri” Sauce:
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
• 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar (optional, for added depth)
• For Assembly:
• 4 Burger Buns (Brioche or Potato buns recommended)
• 4 slices Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Pickle slices (optional)

Preparing the Burger Patties:

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers.
2. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
4. Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during cooking. You can even refrigerate them for a few hours for even better results.

Making the “Missouri” Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more relish for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
3. Cover the sauce and refrigerate it until ready to use. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.

Caramelizing the Onions:

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Low and slow is the key to perfectly caramelized onions.
2. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and very soft. Be patient! This process takes time, but it’s worth it. The natural sugars in the onions will caramelize, creating a rich, sweet flavor.
4. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to deglaze the pan.
5. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the balsamic vinegar (if using). This will add a touch of acidity and complexity to the onions.
6. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Burger Patties:

1. Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the burger patties from the refrigerator.
3. Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F for ground beef.
4. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and let it melt. You can cover the grill or skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
5. Remove the burgers from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.

Assembling the Missouri Burger:

1. Lightly toast the burger buns. This will prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Spread a generous amount of the “Missouri” sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
3. Place a lettuce leaf (if using) on the bottom bun.
4. Top with a slice of tomato (if using) and pickle slices (if using).
5. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the vegetables.
6. Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions over the cheeseburger patty.
7. Place the top bun on top of the caramelized onions.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Missouri Burger!

Tips for the Best Missouri Burger:

• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ground beef and fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your burger.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the ground beef will result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
• Proper Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Resting Time: Letting the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
• Customize: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add different toppings, cheeses, or sauces to create your own unique burger.

Variations:

• Spicy Missouri Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger patties and the “Missouri” sauce for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Missouri Burger: Add a few slices of crispy bacon to the burger for added flavor and texture.
• Mushroom Missouri Burger: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the burger along with the caramelized onions.
• Jalapeno Missouri Burger: Add some sliced jalapenos to the burger for a spicy and flavorful twist.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Missouri Burger recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of the Midwest, a celebration of simple ingredients, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this burger deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. The combination of the juicy, seasoned patty, the tangy BBQ sauce, the crisp bacon, and the creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have you craving it again and again.

But the best part? It’s not just about following the recipe to the letter. It’s about making it your own! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, provolone, or even a smoky gouda would be fantastic alternatives. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness. Or, for a spicier kick, incorporate some jalapeños into the patty mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! Classic sides like crispy french fries, onion rings, or coleslaw are always a winning combination. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad or grilled corn on the cob. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer, a refreshing lemonade, or even a simple iced tea would perfectly complement the flavors of the burger.

Consider these variations to elevate your Missouri Burger experience:

* The “Spicy Missouri”: Add diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture and use a spicy BBQ sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
* The “Deluxe Missouri”: Add a fried egg, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms to the burger.
* The “Veggie Missouri”: Substitute the beef patty with a high-quality veggie burger and use a vegetarian-friendly BBQ sauce.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But the real test is in the tasting! So, I urge you to give this recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or the stovetop!), and get ready to experience burger bliss.

Once you’ve made your own version of this delicious Missouri Burger, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating and sharing recipes that you’ll love.

Don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see your amazing creations! I am sure you will enjoy this burger as much as I do. It is a perfect meal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!