Unless you live under a rock or just understandably block out all politics in the world, you would have been aware that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un met in Singapore a couple of days ago. Being an islander in the nation where they met, I thought I would commemorate this truly historic event with my take on the same diplomatic flavours that ensued during their conversations with an all American classic incorporated with an infamous Korean staple.
Kimchi Rump burger
Simple. Rich. Tangy. In many ways, this burger is a representation of our two politically charged compatriots. Here's the recipe for how to make the burger that will surely have you asking your photographer to make you look "nice and thin".
(SOURCE: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/06/liveblog-trump-kim-jong-un-summit.html)
Ingredients (makes 3 burgers)
Besides the patty and the kimchi, the toppings really are interchangeable, so we'll get those out of the way first
Toppings:
- 3 burger buns - buttered and toasted
- Few slices of lettuce
- Few slices of onions
- Few slices of tomatoes
- Handful of shredded cheddar cheese
Kimchi:
- Kimchi
Patty
- 450g Rump Steak - sirloin will do. Only the finest cut for our finest president.
- 40-60g Bone Marrow - we found that about 1kg of bones gave us 40g of bone marrow.
- 1 tsp Italian herbs - almost as authentic as our main man himself. Note: I only really included this for its marjoram, if you have marjoram feel free to use 1/2 tsp of that instead
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Couple dashes of pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Some say there's a method to his madness, that we don't know, but at least there is a method to this burger.
Method
- Extract the Bone marrow from the bones, this can take a while so make sure to do it first.
- Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and mix until incorporated.
- Grate or mince bone marrow and add into the bowl.
- Combine. NOTE: Don't overmix your meat, it combines the proteins making it stickier and therefore chewier. Science.
- Form 3 evenly sized patties about 3cm thick
- Heat a cast iron skillet with olive oil.
- Sear and cook patties for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Butter and toast buns for till golden brown
- Add cheddar cheese to patties and close skillet with lid for 1-2 minutes until cheese melted. NOTE: You don't have to use cheddar, but if it's good enough for Trump's hair, it's good enough for this burger.
- Construct and Consume.
I would definitely recommend this burger to everyone. There aren't a lot of moving parts so it's pretty simple to make and the great flavour from the higher end cut with the rich umami(?) of the bone marrow pairs very well with the spicy, sour, garlicky pickled veggies on top. There isn't really a texture or flavour point that isn't hit with this combination.
You know... I will do a lot of things to sound like Trump but i will never use the imperial system.