Asian Alchemy

Ingredients

2/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tsp wasabi paste
2½ lbs 85% lean hamburger
1½ cups cooked white rice
1 tsp + 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
½ tsp fresh ground pepper
½ head cabbage, shredded into slaw
2 large carrots, julienned
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp sesame seeds
½ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
(if desired) 2 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
6 sesame seed buns

Instructions

Heat grill to medium high heat. In a large bowl combine teriyaki sauce and wasabi paste. Then add hamburger, rice, 1 tsp salt and pepper; mix until just combined. Shape mixture into 6 (6 oz)patties, slightly thinner in the middle for even cooking. In a medium bowl combine cabbage, carrots, sesame oil, sesame seeds, red pepper, poppy seeds, lime juice, cilantro, 2nd tsp of salt and 2 Tbsp olive oil; set aside. When grill reaches 400 degrees, brush grill rack with remaining olive oil. Place patties on grill; cover grill. Cook with medium heat 8-10 minutes, turning once, until thermometer inserted into the patties reads 160° F. During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, brush the split buns with remaining oil and place cut side down, on grill; cook for 30 seconds. To assemble, place bottom half of freshly grilled bun on a plate, top with cooked patty, then cabbage mixture and finally top half of the bun. Makes 6 burgers.