Summary
- The Menu Cheeseburger is inspired by the film The Menu starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes.
- The burger recipe features a double patty with American cheese, a buttered sesame-seed bun, and classic toppings.
- Chef John Benhase’s step-by-step method emphasizes using an 80/20 ground beef blend and proper seasoning.
- The guide details the preparation, cooking, and assembly processes to recreate this gourmet cheeseburger at home.
The Menu Cheeseburger offers a delicious take on a classic dish, inspired by the film The Menu. This guide presents a detailed recipe and how-to instructions to create a gourmet cheeseburger. Using fresh ingredients, proper techniques, and Chef John Benhase’s proven method, you can recreate this mouth-watering burger at home.
The Menu Cheeseburger Recipe Essentials
Creating the perfect The Menu Cheeseburger starts with quality ingredients and the right preparation steps. This section covers the necessary components and their specifications to ensure your burger turns out both flavorful and visually appealing.
Ingredients and Specifications
- Ground Beef: Use 6 ounces of 80/20 ground beef per patty. The higher fat content is essential for a juicy, flavorful patty.
- American Cheese: Two slices per burger are recommended to achieve a perfect melt.
- Sesame-Seed Bun: A buttered sesame-seed bun, lightly toasted, provides the ideal balance of softness and structure.
- Seasoning: Seasoned salt is used to enhance the flavor of the beef. While the recipe only calls for “seasoning,” salt alone can be sufficient.
- Toppings: Include thinly shaved yellow onion and thinly sliced pickles for a crisp, tangy bite.
- Burger Sauce: Choose your favorite burger sauce or create one using mayonnaise, ketchup, and additional flavorings.
- Butter: Use 1 tablespoon of butter for toasting the bun.
Preparation Process
- Preparing the Meat: Divide the 6 ounces of ground beef per patty into balls of roughly 3 ounces each. Lightly compress the meat to form a ball without overworking it.
- Chilling the Patties: Store the burger balls in the freezer briefly to ensure they remain cold but not frozen. Colder meat results in juicier burgers.
- Bun Preparation: Butter the inside of the sesame-seed bun and toast it on a skillet over medium-low heat until the inside is golden brown (approximately 2-3 minutes). Set aside on a plate.
- Seasoning: Before cooking, sprinkle a generous amount of seasoned salt on the raw side of the patties.
Key Equipment
- Heavy-Bottom Skillet: Use a heavy-bottom skillet (not non-stick) to achieve the high heat needed for proper searing.
- Sturdy Steel Burger Flipper: Essential for smashing the patties thinly and ensuring even cooking.
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How-To Guide for The Menu Cheeseburger
This section provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on cooking and assembling your The Menu Cheeseburger to perfection. Follow these steps carefully to enjoy a burger that captures the essence of the film’s gourmet creation.
Cooking the Patties
- Preheat and Ventilate: Turn on a vent over the stove or open a window, as the process will generate smoke. Preheat your heavy-bottom skillet on high heat.
- Smashing the Patties: Place the chilled burger balls on the hot skillet. Using a steel burger flipper along with another kitchen tool for leverage, smash the burger balls to form thin patties.
- Adding Onions and Seasoning: Immediately add thinly shaved yellow onions on top of each smashed patty. Sprinkle additional seasoned salt on the exposed side.
- Searing: Allow the patties to sear for about 2 minutes on the first side. The high heat will create a flavorful crust while the onions soften slightly in the beef fat.
- Cheese Melting: Flip the patties carefully. Add two slices of American cheese on each patty, ensuring that the cheese drips slightly over the edges for extra flavor. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
Assembling the Burger
- Preparing the Bun: While the patties are finishing cooking, prepare the bun. Spread a generous layer of your chosen burger sauce on the top half of the bun. Place a few thinly sliced pickles on the bottom half.
- Layering Ingredients: Start with the bottom bun, add the sauce, and then layer the melted, cheese-topped patty onto the bun. For a double cheeseburger, repeat with a second patty.
- Final Assembly: Once both patties are layered, place the top bun with the sauce and pickles on top of the stack. Ensure the assembly is balanced to prevent the burger from falling apart.
- Serving: Serve the assembled The Menu Cheeseburger immediately while hot, ensuring you enjoy the juiciness of the patties, the melty cheese, and the crisp toppings.
Additional Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control: Allow the meat to reach room temperature briefly before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Avoid Butter Burn: After toasting the bun, wipe out any excess butter from the skillet to avoid burning the patties.
- Smash Technique: Ensure that you smash the patties thinly to create a “smashburger” style that allows for a quick sear and optimal juiciness.
- Resting the Meat: Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking to redistribute the juices, enhancing flavor and moisture.
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The Significance Behind the Burger in The Menu
In the film The Menu, the cheeseburger is more than just a meal; it symbolizes a return to the chef’s roots. In the film’s climax, Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, requests the cheeseburger from Chef Julian Slowik (portrayed by Ralph Fiennes), reconnecting him with his passion for authentic, unpretentious cooking. This simple burger, prepared with care and respect for ingredients, stands in stark contrast to the overly elaborate dishes typically served, reminding viewers of the beauty in culinary simplicity.
Practical Considerations and Storage
- Leftover Storage: If any patties remain, store them separately from the buns and toppings to preserve their texture. Reheat the patties in an oven preheated to 350°F for a few minutes.
- Sauce Preparation: Prepare extra burger sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This sauce can be used for future burgers or as a dipping sauce.
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The detailed process provided here allows you to recreate the film’s famous cheeseburger at home. By following Chef John Benhase’s method, you ensure that every element, from the choice of beef to the toasting of the bun, contributes to a gourmet experience.
Source: ScreenRant
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