Ginger Smoked Beef Burgers

Ingredients

1 cup Apple wood chunks and 2” piece fresh ginger for smoking
1-1/2 pounds ground chuck
1-1/2 pounds ground sirloin
1-1/2teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon five spice powder
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons Asian hot sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup yogurt
1/3 cup ginger preserves
2 teaspoons Asian hot sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for grates
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
Sesame seed buns
1/3 cup sliced pickled sushi ginger
1 Thinly sliced cucumber
1 bunch fresh Thai basil

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium high for direct grilling. Place the apple wood chips in water and soak. Combine the ground beef, salt, five spice, grated fresh ginger, hot sauce and soy sauce. Mix gently and form into 6 patties. Refrigerate until ready to grill. In a small bowl mix the yogurt, ginger preserves and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Drain the apple wood chips and place in a small piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Cut a 2 inch piece of fresh ginger root into chunks and add to the foil. Place the open foil packet directly on the flames. Place grill grates over foil and lightly oil grates. Place beef patties on grates. Cover grill. Cook for 4 – 5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. Brush top of meat patties with sesame oil a couple of times while cooking. Brush cut sides of sesame seed buns with toasted sesame oil. Place cut side down on side of grill. Grill until lightly browned. Place bottom of bun on serving plate. Top with sliced cucumber, and Thai Basil leaves. Place burger on bun and lay slices of pickled ginger on top of patty. Top with a dollop of yogurt sauce. Replace top of bun. Serves 6.