Summer BBQ Banh Mi Burgers

So, I am on this Vietnamese food kick (for context see my previous post), and I just happened to find this recipe for Banh Mi Burgers -- perfect for summer!  I tried it out, with great results. This recipe is for 4 people, but can be multiplied to fit the size of your bbq.


For the burgers:

1 1/2 lbs ground chuck

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 

1 1/2 tsp curry powder

For the toppings

2 carrots, coarsely shredded
1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tbs sugar
2 pickled jalapenos, thinly sliced
12 cilantro sprigs

1 baguette, quartered and split

1. Mix carrots, rice vinegar and sugar, and let stand 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Mix curry power, salt and pepper and the chuck, and form into oval patties about an inch thick. Grill to taste.
3. Split the baguettes and fill with grilled burgers, marinated carrots, jalapenos and cilantro.

Variations:

Toast the baguette on the grill

Add a smear of tabasco mayonnaise (whisk 2 tbs tabasco, 2 tsp tomato paste,  minced garlic clove and salt and pepper in 1/2 cup of mayonnaise)

Use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled

Fresh basil can be an additional topping

Shortcut:

Pick up shredded carrots from the salad bar in your supermarket.

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine