Pacific Rim Burgers with Ginger-Spiced Pineapple

Pairs well with:

Gewurztraminer

Hard to pronounce yet easy to drink, this wine combines lychee fruit and white peach flavors with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

For the Ginger-Spiced Pineapple:
½ tsp ground white pepper
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ Chinese 5-spice powder
2 T canola oil
6 fresh pineapple rings
Vegetable oil, for brushing grill rack
For the patties:
1 lb. freshly ground beef sirloin 1 lb. freshly ground beef chuck
1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
2 large scallions, green tops only, chopped
1 T oyster sauce
½ tsp minced garlic
3 T sesame oil
1 T soy sauce
6 fresh, soft sesame sandwich rolls, split horizontally
1 large bunch fresh watercress

 

Instructions

To prepare the Ginger-Spiced Pineapple: Preheat gas grill to medium-high. In a small bowl combine the white pepper, ginger and five-spice powder. Use the canola oil to lightly brush the pineapple rings on both sides; rub both sides of the slices with the spice mixture. Brush the grill rack with vegetable oil and grill the pineapple slices, turning once, until heated through and golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Wrap the grilled pineapple in aluminum foil to prevent drying and keep warm on an upper rack or a cooler part of the grill. To prepare the patties: In a large mixing bowl place the ground sirloin, ground chuck, kosher salt, chopped scallions, oyster sauce and garlic. With clean hands, gently but thoroughly mix the ingredients together until just combined. Working gently, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into patties to fit the rolls. Brush the grill rack with vegetable oil. Place the patties on the grill rack, cover and grill until nicely done to preference, about 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, which together the sesame oil and the soy sauce, and brush the cut sides of the buns with the mixture. During the last few minutes that the patties are cooking, place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the grill rack to toast lightly. To assemble burgers: Arrange a small handful of watercress on the bottom half of each roll; top each with a patty and a warm grilled pineapple slice. Add the roll tops and serve. Makes 6 burgers.