Bison Burgers with Bourbon-Glazed Onions

Ingredients

Bison Burgers:

• 6 to 8 fresh sage leaves
• 70 g shallots
• 1 garlic clove
• 5 g mustard powder
• 1 g freshly ground black pepper
• 450 g ground bison

Bourbon-Glazed Onions:

• 500 g red onions, quartered
• 15 g olive oil
• 15 g unsalted butter
• 25 cl maple syrup
• 1 g salt
• 1 g freshly ground black pepper
• 50 cl bourbon

Cooking Burgers and Assembly:

• Salt, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• Ketchup, to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese
• 115 g Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 4 to 8 pieces of butter lettuce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bison Patties:

1. Chop the sage and shallots: Finely chop the sage leaves and shallots. Mix them in a bowl with the mustard powder and black pepper.
2. Confite the garlic in maple syrup: Slowly cook the garlic in maple syrup until soft and caramelized.
3. Mix with the bison meat: Add the bison meat and confited garlic to the bowl, season lightly with salt, and gently mix. Avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender. Divide into 4 portions and form patties about 1.5 cm thick.

2. Cook the Bourbon-Glazed Onions:

1. Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the quartered red onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add spices and sweetener: Sprinkle the onions with brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Allow them to caramelize for a few minutes.
3. Add the bourbon: Deglaze the skillet with bourbon, scraping up the flavorful bits. Reduce the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are glazed and the sauce is syrupy. Keep warm.

3. Cook the Burgers:

1. Cook the patties: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet or on a grill. Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
2. Toast the buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or toaster.

4. Assemble the Burgers:

1. Layer the toppings: Spread ketchup on the bottom bun. Add a bison patty with melted cheese, bourbon-glazed onions, Roma tomato slices, and butter lettuce.
2. Finish and serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Suggestions:
Pair these flavorful bison burgers with homemade fries or a fresh green salad. The bourbon-glazed onions add a rich, sweet note that perfectly complements the lean, tender bison. Enjoy!