Kimchi Mayo Burgers with Asian Pear

This burger combination has got to be one of best I've come across in a very long time.Savory, meaty burger, funky, slightly salty kimchi combined with creamy mayo, sweet crisp Asian pear and crunchy sprouts all on a buttery, toasted brioche bun.  Every bite is a joy to the senses.  Pure heaven!

This takes the typical burger up a notch and one of the great things is it's totally adaptable for whatever type of burger you want. Turkey burgers work just as well as a beef burger and veggie burgers such as the "Beyond Meat" brand are equally welcome here. Even your own homemade black bean burger can be enhanced with this delicious combo.

JUST A HANDFUL OF INGREDIENTS TO A DELICIOUS BURGER

I love the probiotic nature of kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage that typically has garlic and spicy peppers added). It's so incredibly good for you and promotes healthy gut bacteria. It has this mysterious funky vibe to it that is slightly salty,  slightly spicy and welcomingly pungent. We have been having it with eggs in the morning, but blending it into a mayo takes it to the next level.

Asian pair is a must try fruit that is much more crisp than your typical pair, yet tastes somewhat of a cross between pear, apple and melon. Uniquely flavorful, and perfect with this burger, although you could definitely substitute slices of Bartlett pear or a tart apple that is not too sweet, such as pink lady.

SPROUTS & ASIAN PEAR

I top this all off with crunchy alfalfa sprouts (also a nutritional powerhouse). You can use any sprouts you like or even a leaf of crisp lettuce. Make this burger totally yours.

Serve some sweet potato fries along side (that, by the way,  are also great dipped in the kimchi mayo) and you have a burger platter that everyone will love.

I love a good iron skillet seared burger.  You get such a nice crust.  Try this gorgeous, heirloom quality Smithey skillet.

My Mini Ninja Blender makes short work of this kimchi mayo, but is great for single serve smoothies too.

You can also use an immersion blender to make this kimchi mayo.

Kimchi Mayo Burger with Asian Pear
Serves 4


4 burgers of your choice cooked to your liking (beef, turkey, veggie, etc.)
4 brioche buns, toasted 
1/2 cup mayo (I like to to use olive oil mayo)
2 tablespoons kimchi (more or less to your taste)
1 asian pear (or regular pear or apple), cut into thin rounds & seeds removed
1 bunch sprouts (like alfalfa or pea shoots) (you can also just use lettuce if you want
Thin slices of avocado (optional). I did not use this but thought after the fact that it would be a nice addition

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In a small blender, add the mayo and kimchi and blitz until smooth. You may need to add a small amount of water or extra liquid from your kimchi to get a perfectly spreadable consistency. You can also do this in a tall jar with an immersion blender.



Assemble the burger by spreading kimchi mayo on the top and bottom insides of the bun.
Add the burger to the bottom bun followed with a slice of Asian pear, then top with sprouts.
Add the top half of the bun and additional sauce as desired.