This Finnish Reindeer Burger is packed with rich, smoky flavors. It’s made with ground reindeer (or venison), grilled onions, chanterelle mushrooms, and creamy gouda cheese. It’s served on a toasted brioche bun with fresh toppings. This burger is juicy, buttery, and perfect for a gourmet-style meal at home!
Ingredients Needed:
- 5 ounces ground reindeer (venison works as well)
- 3 ounces ground smoked reindeer (venison works as well)
- 1 egg
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Unsalted butter
- 2 slices gouda cheese
- 1 brioche bun, sliced and toasted on both sides
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Flaky salt
- 1 large tomato, sliced
How To Make Finnish Reindeer Burger from Ramsay Around The World?
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes.
- Make the burger patty: In a bowl, mix ground reindeer with the egg, 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shape into a patty.
- Cook the burger and mushrooms: Add olive oil to the skillet and place the burger on one side. Add the mushrooms to an empty part of the pan and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill the onions: Place the onion slices in the remaining space in the skillet, add butter, and let it melt. Flip the burger once it’s browned underneath.
- Melt the cheese: Place both gouda slices on top of the burger. Flip the onions when browned on the bottom. Once the mushrooms and onions are golden, transfer them to a plate. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
- Prepare the bun: Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the bottom of the toasted brioche bun. Add lettuce leaves, a spoonful of the cooked mushrooms, a pinch of flaky salt, and 1-2 tomato slices.
- Baste the burger: Remove the lid and add butter to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the burger to keep it juicy.
- Assemble the burger: Place the burger on top of the tomatoes, add grilled onions, then cover with the top bun.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy while hot!
Recipe Tips:
- Use a hot skillet for the best sear: Preheat the cast iron skillet for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This helps create a nice crust on the burger without drying it out.
- Mix the meat gently: Overmixing the ground reindeer can make the patty tough. Mix just until combined to keep the burger juicy and tender.
- Don’t flip the burger too soon: Let it cook for at least 3-4 minutes before flipping. This helps it hold its shape and develop a deep, flavorful crust.
- Melt the cheese properly: Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes after adding the gouda. This lets the cheese melt evenly without overcooking the burger.
- Build the burger in layers for balance: Start with sauce on the bun, then lettuce, mushrooms, salt, and tomatoes. This order prevents the bun from getting soggy and keeps every bite flavorful.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover Finnish Reindeer Burger cool to room temperature. Store the patty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bun, toppings, and sauces separate to keep them fresh.
- Freeze: Only freeze the cooked patty. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Cook the patty for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. Toast the bun lightly before assembling the burger.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 45g
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