Fusion Asparagus Bacon Rice Burger
A Delightful Fusion Mini Rice Burger Featuring Asparagus and Bacon
You’re likely familiar with rice burgers, but how about this special version? This fusion rice burger beautifully blends Western and Korean flavors. With lightly melted cheese, fresh asparagus, and savory bacon, it offers a unique culinary experience. Perfect for a satisfying and distinctive meal.
Rice Burger Ingredients
- 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice
- 9 stalks of fresh asparagus
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices of processed cheese
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, adjust for spice level)
Asparagus Braising Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 5 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 chopped Korean green chili pepper (adjust spiciness)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness)
- 5 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 chopped Korean green chili pepper (adjust spiciness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim about 1-2 cm off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus stalks. Using a vegetable peeler, gently shave the outer layer of the stalks for a more tender texture. Cut the tips into bite-sized pieces as shown in the picture.
Step 2
Finely mince 1 Tbsp of garlic and 1 Korean green chili pepper. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the chili pepper before mincing. For a spicier kick, you can mince it with the seeds.
Step 3
In a clean bowl, crack 2 eggs and whisk them thoroughly with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are well combined. For an even smoother texture, you can strain the egg mixture through a sieve.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 5 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and the finely minced Korean green chili pepper. Whisk everything together to create the ‘Asparagus Braising Sauce’. Adjust the sugar to your preferred sweetness.
Step 5
Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the 6 slices of bacon. Blanch them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This step helps to remove excess grease and any gamey flavor, resulting in a cleaner taste.
Step 6
Remove the blanched bacon from the water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, place the bacon in a frying pan over medium-low heat and cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Crispy bacon adds a wonderful texture to the rice burger.
Step 7
Season 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice with a touch of sesame oil (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix the rice with a spatula, being careful not to mash the grains. Remember to consider the saltiness of the bacon and sauce when seasoning the rice.
Step 8
Heat the braising sauce in a pan over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, add the prepared asparagus. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the asparagus braise in the sauce until it’s tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn the asparagus occasionally to ensure it’s evenly coated and cooked.
Step 9
Prepare your musubi mold (or any other suitable mold). Lightly grease the inside of the mold with sesame oil to prevent the rice from sticking, making it easier to shape the burgers.
Step 10
Layer the ingredients into the musubi mold in the following order. Start with a layer of rice, pressing it down firmly. Add 2 slices of crispy bacon, followed by 2 slices of cheese (folded in half). Then, arrange 3 stalks of the braised asparagus and drizzle a little more braising sauce. Finish with another layer of rice, pressing it down firmly. Use the musubi mold’s press to compact everything tightly.
Step 11
Carefully unmold the rice burgers. Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat with a moderate amount of cooking oil. Place the rice burgers in the pan. Brush the exterior of the rice burgers generously with the beaten egg mixture. Cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and beautifully crisp. The egg coating creates a lovely, slightly crispy crust. Once cooked, cut the rice burgers into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment. You’ve created your delicious rice burgers!
Step 12
Voila! Your delicious Fusion Asparagus Bacon Rice Burgers are ready! The secret to these burgers lies in the savory braised asparagus sauce. The combination of salty bacon and the fresh, crisp texture of asparagus is truly delightful. Enjoy this unique dish, perfect as a hearty meal or a special snack!
