I recently saw an old Food Network episode in which Guy Fieri visits a diner and tries the special peanut butter burger. The cook said it wasn’t for everyone (I beg to differ) and apparently it wasn’t for Guy. But clearly this needs to be tested by the Peanut Butter Boy. I also stumbled upon some smoked salt I wanted to try. Smoked salt is apparently hard to find and very expensive, but the stuff is incredibly fragrant and flavor-packed. Too impatient to try them separately, I combined them into one ridiculous burger. How was it? Well, as I like to say, the proof is in the peanut butter:
1/4 lb lean ground beef or turkey breast
2 slices soft whole grain bread (or lettuce/cabbage leaves)
1 slice american or cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp peanut butter
handful shredded cabbage
smoked salt or regular salt, pepper (to taste)
ketchup
Instructions:
1. Spray a small pan with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot toss the burger in and sprinkle smoked or regular salt and pepper on top. Spray more cooking spray on top. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Flip the burger and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on how you like it done. Shake some more salt and pepper on top. This is a good time to toast the bread, if desired. Place the cheese on top of the burger and let it melt.
3. When the toast and is done, spread the peanut butter onto one slice of bread and place the finished burger on top. Top with shredded cabbage. Spread ketchup on the other slice of bread and place on top. Cut in half for maximum manipulability.
4. Demonstrate to any nearby onlookers that you have put peanut butter on your hamburger and fully intend to eat it. Upon receiving a look of disgust, proceed to take a large bite and you’ll probably surprise yourself when you groan in delight.
Overall Impressions:
Bread – Nice and toasty.
Peanut Butter – Added a delightful creamy texture and salty flavor.
Burger – Lean and meaty.
Smoked salt – Very fragrant while cooking, but I hardly tasted it. Next time I’ll use more (I only used a pinch).
Cheese – The flavor was mostly overpowered by everything else, but the texture of melted cheese is always a welcome addition.
Cabbage – A great replacement for lettuce! Adds a great crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Ketchup – Didn’t overpower or clash with the peanut butter like I thought it would. Complemented the burger as a whole and added some moisture.
Overall – I will definitely make this again! Next time, I’ll use more peanut butter and try ground turkey (poultry tends to go better with peanut butter). The quantity of smoked salt needs to be increased to be noticed, but I would probably stick to garlic salt next time.