Jalapeño Ranch Bacon Burger

Ingredients:

Bread:

Tangzhong:

·         4 tbsp Whole Milk (60g)

·         2 tbsp Water (25g)

·         2 tbsp Bread Flour (20g)

Dough:

·         1 tbsp Instant Yeast (9g)

·         ½ cup Whole Milk (95°)

·         2.5 cups Bread Flour (320g)

·         1 tsps Sea Salt (8g)

·         2.5 tbsp Sugar (40g)

·         1 Eggs

·         1 Egg Yolk

·         3 tbsp Softened Butter (45g)

Smash Burger:

·         1-2 lbs Ground Beef

·         Bacon

·         Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese

·         Salt and Pepper to Taste

Jalapeno Ranch:

·         ½ Cup Greek Yogurt

·         ½ Cup Mayo

·         4 tbs Buttermilk

·         Fresh Dill (Diced)

·         Fresh Chives (Diced)

·         1 Diced Jalapeno

·         2 tbs Onion Powder, Garlic Powder & MSG

·         1 tbs Sugar

·         1 tbs Vinegar

·         Salt & Pepper

Pickled Jalapenos:

·         2-3 Jalapenos (Sliced)

·         ½ Cup Water

·         ½ Cup Vinegar

·         Salt and Pepper to taste

Method:

Bread:

1.       Begin by creating the Tangzhong Paste, in a small saucepan combine the milk, water and flour. Cook and constantly whisk over medium low heat until a paste forms

2.       In a bowl combine the yeast, milk and sugar. Stir and set aside until bloomed (5-8 minutes)

3.       Once bloomed, stir with the whole egg and egg yolk

4.       In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in the dry ingredients, Tangzhong paste, followed by the yeast mixture. Mix on low until fully incorporated

5.       Continue mixing until a rough dough has formed, then add in the softened butter one tbsp at a time

6.       Mix for an additional 5-7 minutes or until a perfectly smooth dough ball forms

7.       Place the dough ball into a lightly greased bowl before applying a damp kitchen towel over the top. Proof for 1 hour

8.       Once proofed, punch down your dough and place onto a clean work surface and divide into eight even dough balls.

9.       Place the dough balls onto a parchment line baking sheet

10.   Place an inverted baking sheet over the top of the dough and let rise for an additional 2 hours. Brush with a whole milk, egg mixture and sprinkle over sesame seeds (optional)

11.   Once Risen, bake in a 375° oven for 18 minutes or until golden brown and fluffy  

Burger Sauce:

1.       Mix all ingredients in a bowl

Quick Pickles:

1.       Toss the sliced Jalapenos into a mason jar or lidded container

2.       Add in the vinegar and seasoning. Shake well and set aside

Smash Burgers:

1.       Fry off the bacon to your desired consistency

2.       Toast the buns in the bacon fat

3.       Form the beef into roughly ¼ pound balls

4.       In an oiled, ripping hot pan, place down the meat ball. Smash using a heavy pan, spatula or burger press (oil the surface with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking), season with salt and pepper, then sear until the edges become browned and crispy. Flip and place on a slices of cheese. Repeat with each meat ball

5.       To construct the burger, place down the bottom half of the freshly made bun, followed by a dab of the jalapeno ranch, two smash burger patties, the tangy and spicy pickled jalapenos, a generous portion of crispy bacon, and the top bun smothered with more if the jalapeno ranch. Enjoy!