Smoked Gouda Burgers with Onion Jam (Recipe Inspired by DESPERATE GIRLS)

Anybody in need of a good cry? Because this book-inspired recipe for Smoked Gouda Burgers with Onion Jam will do the trick.

No, not because you’ll cry at how good it is.

I mean, you might. I almost did. It’s just that the amount of raw onion slicing this onion jam requires will certainly bring a few tears to your eyes – and to anyone within a 10-foot radius of your kitchen.

Although Desperate Girls wasn’t exactly the heart-pounding novel I was expecting, it definitely delivered in one aspect: FOOD.

Between arguing a high-profile court case and being on the run from a crazed serial killer, main character Brynn doesn’t really have time for home-cooked meals. Dinnertime involves trying the local restaurants, usually with hunky bodyguard Erik in tow, and she works her way through some yummy-sounding cuisine.

I liked a lot about Brynn, but one of her winning attributes is that she can really pack it away when it comes to mealtimes. RESPECT. I was drooling as she ordered sesame chicken, spare ribs, and egg rolls at a Chinese restaurant one night, and I really wished she had been able to pick up her “amazing” enchilada order before chaos struck.

However, the first meal Brynn and Erik enjoy together is burgers at a local tap room, and this was the inspiration for my Smoked Gouda Burgers with Onion Jam.

FYI — you’re really reading this post to learn how to make onion jam. Most people know how to make a burger, so I’ll devote less time to that part of the recipe. Few people have tasted, let alone made a good onion jam, and that’s the takeaway of today’s blog post.

I first had onion jam on a burger at a pub in London, and I never forgot how awesome the tangy, sweet, caramelized onions tasted on the savory, rich beef. I’ve looked for onion jam here in the States, but I haven’t been able to find a good version. So, as I often do on such occasions, I decided to make my own.

Making onion jam is really easy, but it does take time. Don’t plan on whipping this recipe up in a jiffy; you’ll want to set aside a good two hours. Luckily, the prep work takes only 5 minutes, but then you’re tied to the kitchen for next hour and a half or so. That’s because you’re basically caramelizing onions, which happens to be a time-consuming process.

But, low and slow wins the race, people. The food race. And first prize is an insanely delicious Smoked Gouda Burger with Onion Jam.

I actually enjoy recipes that require a bit of passive time in the kitchen; it’s a great opportunity to tackle all those kitchen tasks you keep putting off.

So, go ahead — unload the dishwasher! Clean out your pantry! Organize your spice rack! Ya got time. Just remember to stir the onions every few minutes, and maybe set a timer for the longer intervals so you don’t completely forget you have the stove on and end up with a blackened mess.

Fun fact: I was in the kitchen for so long that my cat decided that we must be camping out there for the morning, and he moved himself in there to be with me. See where he is? That’s smack in the middle of my kitchen, right where I constantly walk between the stove and the countertop. Of course. Because, cats.

Anyhoo, back on track. The brown sugar and balsamic vinegar in the onion jam meld together beautifully throughout the slow cooking process, and the onions cook down until they’re incredibly soft and saturated with flavor. The result is a tangy, fragrant marmalade that makes for a delicious spread on sandwiches, grilled cheese, crostini, and, most importantly, my Smoked Gouda Burgers.

Of course, you can use any cheese you like for your burgers – or, none at all – but I recommend using Smoked Gouda. It’s one of my favorite cheeses, especially for burgers, since melts really well and gives a hint of BBQ smokiness, which is great when you’re cooking on a stovetop instead of a grill.

I also like to use a layer of fresh, peppery arugula on my Smoked Gouda Burgers. Not only does this prevent the bun from getting soggy, but the greenery adds a nice pop of color and a bit of crunch to your bite.

Plus, you’ll now have three flavor components working together for your burger: sweetness from the onion jam, smokiness from the Gouda, and a light spiciness from the arugula. All piled on top of delicous meat. Yummmm. 

Cook your Smoked Gouda Burgers any way you want (my Grillmaster husband loves to BBQ them whenever possible), and once they’re ready, add a dollop or two of onion jam on top, then take the most flavorful burger bite you’ve ever had in your life.

I tell ya, once you taste these Smoked Gouda Burgers with Onion Jam, there’s no going back. I honestly don’t think you need any additional condiments (though my husband adamantly argues that stone ground mustard never hurt anything).

But, hey, it’s your burger. You do you.

Just don’t forget the Onion Jam.

Smoked Gouda Burgers with Onion Jam

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings 4 burgers

Ingredients

  

ONION JAM INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium onions or 4 large onions
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• kosher salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar

SMOKED GOUDA BURGER INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef
• paprika, to taste
• onion powder, to taste
• salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• dried parsley flakes, to taste
• onion jam (see recipe above)
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices smoked Gouda cheese
• fresh arugula, to taste

Instructions

 

PREP INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONION JAM

• Cut both ends off one onion, then peel off the skin. Cut onion in half, then slice as thinly as possible. Repeat process with remaining onions, then set aside the sliced onions.
• Measure out the balsamic vinegar and set aside.
• Measure out the brown sugar and set aside.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONION JAM

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, making sure the oil evenly coats the bottom of the pan. Add sliced onions to the pan, the liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper. Carefully stir ingredients together, then cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft.
• Stir the brown sugar into the onions; mixture will become soggy. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until most of the moisture has evaporated and the onions appear dry.
• Stir the balsamic vinegar into the onions. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the onions are soft and dry.
• Remove pan from heat and let onion jam cool. If desired, place onion jam in a small food processor and blitz for a few seconds until smooth.
• Store jam in the refrigerator, but serve either warm or at room temperature.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SMOKED GOUDA BURGERS

• Form ground beef into four roughly equal burger patties. Season patties on both sides with paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes, to taste.
• Cook patties on a grill or stovetop pan until they reach desired doneness. A few minutes before removing them from the heat, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover with grill lid or pan lid for 1-2 minutes, allowing cheese to melt around the patty. Then remove the burgers from heat.
• Arrange a few arugula leaves on the bottom half of a burger bun, then place your cheesebuger on top. Spoon onion jam on top of patty, place top half of the bun on the burger, and enjoy!

Notes

Onion Jam recipe is a lightly adapted version of Balsamic Onion Marmalade from www.epicurious.com.

Onion Jam recipes makes about 12 ounces of jam, which will keep in the fridge for several weeks.