Microplane or fine grater (for ginger and lemon zest)
Colander (for draining cabbage)
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
1tablespooncoconut oillard or ghee may be substituted
1poundground beef80/20 or medium ground, about 450g
¼cuponionfinely diced, about 40g
4clovesgarlicminced
1tablespoongingergrated or minced
1teaspoonlemon zestfrom about 1 small lemon
1teaspoonsalt
Wilted Cabbage Ingredients
1 ½poundscabbageabout half a medium cabbage, thinly sliced, about 680g
1cupwater
¼cupcarrotgrated, optional, about 30g
2tablespoonslemon juice
1tablespoongingergrated or minced
½teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Heat a large non-stick skillet to medium-low heat (approximately 325°F / 165°C if using a thermometer or temperature-controlled cooktop), add coconut oil and swirl around until the pan is evenly coated.
1 tablespoon coconut oil
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon zest until just combined. Avoid overmixing — overworked beef produces tough, dense patties.
With your hands, shape the meat mixture into 4 evenly sized balls.
Slightly flatten each ball into a patty shape, and with your thumb, make an indent about 1cm / 1/2 inch deep in the centre of the patty (ensures patties stay flat while cooking) and place in the warmed pan. Sprinkle patties with half of the salt.
1 teaspoon salt
Cook patties, covered, for 6-7 minutes over medium-low heat until the underside is well browned.
Flip patties and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre reads 160°F / 71°C (well-done) or 145°F / 63°C (medium).
1 teaspoon salt
Keep burger patties on very low heat to keep warm while toppings are assembled.
While the burgers are cooking, heat a medium-sized saucepan to high heat.
Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the saucepan.
1 1/2 pounds cabbage
Pour water over the cabbage and cover.
1 cup water
Reduce heat to medium-high and allow the cabbage to wilt for 4-5 minutes, stirring once, until tender but still slightly crisp at the edges.
Turn off heat and drain any excess water from the cabbage.
Stir grated carrot (if using), lemon juice and ginger into the cabbage.
1/4 cup carrot, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spoon the wilted cabbage onto a plate or into a bowl, place a burger patty on top, and serve immediately.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Notes
Storage: Cooked patties keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store cabbage separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked shaped patties between sheets of parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. The wilted cabbage does not freeze well — make it fresh.Make-ahead: Shape patties and press in the thumb indent up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate covered — cold patties hold their shape better in the pan.Substitution: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork. Turkey patties will need an extra tablespoon of coconut oil in the pan to prevent sticking.Pro tip: Press the thumb indent about 1cm / ½ inch deep into each patty. Ground beef contracts toward the centre as it cooks, and without this depression the patties dome up and cook unevenly.Dietary note: This recipe is paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free (when using coconut oil), Whole30-compliant, and nut-free.