Wonton Burger w/Chinese Relish

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

Ingredients

BURGERS:
1 oz. dried Shitake mushrooms, stems removed
1 8 oz. can water chestnuts, chopped fine
3 tablespoons Tamari sauce
3 tablespoons roasted black sesame seeds
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 1/2 pounds chopped chuck
CHINESE RELISH:
3/4 cup minced cucumber
2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon Tamari sauce
1 tablesppon sesame oil
WONTONS:
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup canned bean sprouts
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon Tamari sauce
12 wonton wrappers
1 beaten egg
Vegetable oil, for brushing grill rack
6 kaiser rolls, split

 

Instructions

Submerge the Shitakes in a bowl of tepid water; let soak for an hour. Once the mushrooms have soaked, remove from water, wringing out excess water, and cut off stems. Then chop mushrooms into small pieces and put in a big bowl. Add the water chestnuts, Tamari, sesame seeds, onion, and chuck. Mix well with your hands. Form into 6 patties and put to one side. Preheat gas grill to medium high. In a small bowl, combine cucumber, Hoisin sauce, Tamari, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine bean sprouts, onion, ginger, and Tamari. Mix well. Pour the vegetable oil into a small frying pan. Place on medium high heat. Take a wonton wrapper and lay it on a plate. Take 1 tablespoon of the bean sprout mixture and put it in the center of the wonton. Place another wonton on top and pinch the edges to seal. Paint the edges with beaten egg. Place in frying pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Place on a paper towel to absorb oil Assemble and cook 5 more in the same manner. Brush the grill rack with oil and put the burgers on. Close cover and grill for 3-4 minutes, then turn and continue for 4-5 minutes, or until done to your preference. A minute before removing the burger, you may place the split rolls cut side down on the grill to toast lightly. To assemble the burgers, place burger on bottom of toasted roll. Place a wonton on top of burger. Add a generous tablespoon of the Chinese cucumber relish on top of the wonton and add the top bun. Makes 6 burgers