Seal Burger Kim Côté, Chef at Côté Est

Ingredients:

For 4 servings

• 500 g of ground seal meat (or bison or venison if seal meat is unavailable)
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of flour (if needed to bind the mixture)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
• 4 slices of Quebec goat cheese (or soft cheese)
• 4 slices of Canadian bacon or smoked bacon
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• Some leaves of lettuce or arugula
• Maple mustard creamy sauce (see below)

For the Maple Mustard Sauce:

• 100 g of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seal Patties:

   • In a large bowl, combine the seal meat, shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, egg, flour (if needed), salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well to combine, then form 4 patties the size of the burger buns.

2. Cook the Patties:

   • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with a little oil or clarified butter.
   • Cook the seal patties for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned on the outside and cooked to your liking on the inside. Near the end of cooking, place a slice of goat cheese on each patty to melt slightly.

3. Prepare the Bacon:

   • Cook the Canadian bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Set aside on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Maple Mustard Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly reduced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Burger:

   • Lightly toast the burger buns.
   • Spread a generous amount of the maple mustard sauce on the bottom of the buns.
   • Add a leaf of lettuce or arugula, then the seal patty with the melted cheese.
   • Top with a slice of crispy bacon and a slice of tomato.
   • Cover with the top bun.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately with homemade fries, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tip:

For an even more Canadian touch, you can serve this burger with apple compote or cranberry chutney, adding a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the seal meat and maple mustard sauce perfectly.

This Seal Burger Kim Côté is a culinary experience that combines bold local flavors with refined techniques, staying true to the essence of Côté Est cuisine and the authenticity of the Kamouraska region.