Campfire Burger: An Aussie Outback Adventure

 

Imagine sitting by a campfire under the vast Australian sky, the aroma of burgers grilling over the open flames mingling with the fresh air. This campfire burger recipe brings simplicity and hearty flavors together, making it perfect for any outdoor adventure. With just a few ingredients and your favorite toppings, you can enjoy a delicious burger that tastes even better out in the bush.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (preferably about 80/20 fat content for juiciness)
• Kosher sea salt
• Garlic pepper seasoning
• Hamburger buns
• Toppings:
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes, sliced
  • Onions, sliced
  • Mayo (or your preferred sauces)
  • Additional options: Pickles, cheese slices, beetroot slices (for that authentic Aussie touch), pineapple rings, bacon strips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with kosher sea salt and garlic pepper seasoning to taste. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings without overworking the meat. Form the mixture into patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they'll shrink during cooking. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up as it cooks.

2. Heat the Grill: If you're using a campfire, let it burn down to a bed of hot coals. Place a grill grate over the coals. If the fire is too hot, wait a bit until you can comfortably hold your hand above the grate for a few seconds.

3. Grill the Patties: Place the beef patties on the grill. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.

4. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of your hamburger buns and place them cut-side down on the grill for a minute or two, until they're lightly toasted.

5. Assemble the Burgers: On the toasted buns, layer your cooked beef patty and preferred toppings. Some classic combinations include lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, but feel free to get creative.

Tips:

• Safety First: Always ensure your hands are clean when handling raw meat, especially outdoors.
• Cooking Tools: A spatula and tongs will be very handy for flipping the patties and handling hot food.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve your campfire burgers with a side of grilled veggies, potato salad, or chips for a complete meal.

These campfire burgers offer a taste of the Aussie outback, wherever your camping adventures might take you. Enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking over an open flame and savoring a meal in the great outdoors.