THE ULTIMATE STEAKHOUSE BURGER

THE ULTIMATE STEAKHOUSE BURGER image

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 strips bacon
1 - 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed and discarded, remaining bread cut into 1/2 inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 pounds bround beef (85 - 90% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 large garlic cloves, very finely minced.

Steps:

1. Fry bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to plate lined with paper towels. Spoon 3 tablespoons bacon fat into heatproof bowl and place in refrigerator while preparing other ingredients. 2. Place bread in small bowl, add milk, and let mixture sit until saturated, about 5 minutes. Using fork, mash bread and milk until it forms smooth paste. Break up beef into small pieces in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add garlic, bread paste and reserved bacon fat. Using fork or hands lightly knead together so that ingredients are well incorporated and mixture forms cohesive mass. Divide meat into 4 equal portions. Using hands, toss each portion of meat back and forth to form loose ball, then gently flatten each ball into 3/4" patty. 3. Oil cooking grate and grill burgers over very hot fire, without pressing down on them, until well seared on both sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Serve, topped with bacon, if desired.