Come enjoy the barbecue with us!

Happy Summer, Foodies!

Summer brings barbecues, and with barbecues there’s burgers!  Embark on a journey with us, as Dopamenu has brought the barbecue with you this week!

See fun things to do at a barbecue event, experience an Elote inspired burger, and learn what makes a burger great!  Finish off the night with a fun summer drink, customized for everyone to enjoy! Let’s celebrate the end of summer with a fiesta in our mouths with friends and family!

Barbecue Celebrations – What to Do

Image courtesy of Vecteezy

Here’s the scenario: you show up to the family gathering at the park, everyone remembered the food, but no one brought the most crucial thing: something to do while you wait for the food to cook! Most of the fun of the gathering is the activities, so it’s crucial that someone remembers! Luckily for you, we’ve got a couple things you can do while you’re waiting for those delicious burgers and hotdogs to be finished, even without remembering to bring the games from home.

• Scavenger Hunt

Play eye-spy or hide things that people remembered to bring. If you’re at a public park, it might help to just play with landmarks or locations nearby.

• BBQ Trivia

You all are experts on barbecues at this party – come up with a list of trivia questions and ask if people know the history of the hamburger, of the hot dog, etcetera. You might find you have a knack for it, and time will fly.

• Charades

One of the best activities when you’ve got nothing but yourselves and time on your hands is charades. It requires nothing to pass the time, not even a cellphone. You can just use your imagination; the sky is the limit!

Elote Burger

Image from Carolyn’s Cooking

Nothing screams summer quite like a barbecue. Among the variety of foods, you’ll find corn on the cob and burgers, and nothing pairs with a burger quite like mayo and cheese…so why not combine them together?

Enter Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote. Elote is a delicious street snack from Mexico, where corn on the cob is covered with mayonnaise, chili pepper, lime juice and cotija cheese, making for a delicious snack, perfect for eating on the go. Combine these flavors with a juicy grilled burger, and you’ve got a recipe sure to wow your friends and family. We’ve got a perfect recipe for you to show everyone just what you can do!

Ingredients:

Burger Patties:

1 pound ground beef (80% lean)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Street Corn Topping:

2 cups corn kernels

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

For Assembly:

Hamburger buns (toasted if you wish)

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage

Lime wedges for garnish

Prepare the Street Corn Topping:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the corn kernels in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, stirring occasionally until the corn is slightly charred. Mix in chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

After the corn has cooled, combine the charred corn, Cotija cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix well and set aside.

Make the Burger Patties:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties.

Cook the Patties: 

Preheat your grill, or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Assemble the Burgers:

Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of your bun. Spread a layer of the elote topping on the top of the burger. Add slices of avocado, and shredded lettuce or cabbage. Serve with a lime for that hint of acidity. Add your top bun and enjoy!

What makes a great burger – It’s science!

Buying ground beef from the grocery store can be confusing – there’s so many different options. We kind of agree, so we’ve got some helpful insight for you.

When it comes to ground beef, the first thing you should be looking for is the fat content. Generally, a good ratio to search for is 80/20, or 80% lean, 20% fat. More fat, and you run the risk of your meat losing a substantial amount of body due to the fat dripping off, especially if you grill. Less fat, and you run the risk of your burger being dry, especially if you like your burger cooked closer to the well-done side of things.

Also, you might see “wagyu beef” on the meat at the store – this is generally a sign of a higher quality beef. However, what you should be aware of is what makes this beef of a higher quality: its generally higher fat percentage. Wagyu is extremely fatty, so it’s good to keep in mind that wagyu beef is probably not ideal for making burgers, especially if you like your burgers well-done. Nothing says it won’t still be delicious, however, consider sticking with the tried-and-true 80/20, or try grinding your own meat at home.

The perfect drink to accompany your meal!

What comes to mind when you think about the perfect accompaniment to a summer barbecue? It must be Lemonade; nothing is more refreshing than the perfect lemonade on a hot summer’s day. And nothing is a better canvas for a delicious drink. Try adding raspberry or cherry syrup. Try adding lime juice, mint or shiso, or get funky with tropical juices like pineapple or passionfruit. The possibilities are endless! Consider bringing various mixers to your next party to up your lemonade game!

Ending word -

Thank you for taking the time to read today's Dopamenu. Your engagement and feedback are crucial to our growth. Share your thoughts and ideas with us, and let's enjoy our end of summer barbecues together!

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—— Madeleine

 

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