Hawaiian Rumble Burger w/jalapeno, pineapple and mango salsa

Pairs well with:

White Zinfandel

With strawberry and melon essences, this American original is perfectly at home with however you like to unwind.

I love burgers, but Ive never been to Hawaii. From what I hear, they tend to incorporate a lot of their tropical fruits into their dishes. So, this is how I imagine a great burger to be.

Ingredients:

Patties:

6 garlic cloves(minced)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
3/4 teaspoon sesame seeds
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 diced green onions

Salsa:

3/4 cup diced pineapple
3/4 cup diced mango
1/4 cup diced red pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
juice of 1 lime

3 avocados
6 sweet Hawaiian burger buns
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 green lettuce leaves
24 slices thin honey ham sandwich meat(Oscar Mayer)

Instructions:

Pre-heat grill for 15 minutes on medium heat.

To make the patties:

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients down to and including honey. Mix well with a wisk. Add ground beef, pepper, salt and green onions. Mix with your hand until all ingredients are combined. Form 6 1/4 pound patties. Make a small well(indentation) in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking as well as keep them from plumping up in the center when cooking. Set aside to marinate while making the salsa.

To make salsa:

In another bowl, combine all ingredients down to and including the lime. Mix well and set aside.

Cut avocados in half. Remove seed and scoop avocado into a small bowl and mash with a fork. Set aside.

Place buns face down on grill and toast for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them so as not to burn them as grill temps can vary. Remove and set aside.

Place patties on grill and cook for 2 minutes. Flip burgers, add a slice of cheese to each and continue cooking another 2 minutes and remove. Keep in mind that burgers will continue to cook when removed. Cook less time for more rare, longer for more well done.

To assemble:

Spoon mashed avocado onto each bottom bun. Add 1 lettuce leaf to each, 4 slices ham(bunched up), patty(cheese side down), salsa, top and enjoy!