Spicy MOS Burger
Inspired by Japan’s famous MOS Burger chain, the Spicy MOS Burger is an elevated twist on a beloved fast-food classic. With its unique spicy meat sauce layered over a juicy beef patty and pillowy-soft buns, this burger delivers a balance of heat, umami, and freshness. It's a Japanese spin on the American burger, made with premium ingredients and attention to detail—a true fusion of East and West on a bun.
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) preferably grass-fed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola or grapeseed, for searing
For the Spicy Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for sautéing
- ½ cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ pound ground pork or substitute with ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar preferably raw
For the Assembly:
- 4 pieces burger buns soft milk buns recommended
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce washed and dried
- 4 slices vine-ripe tomato
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into flat patties about 1/2-inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- For the spicy sauce, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ground pork and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink—about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add tomato sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and sugar. Simmer gently on low heat for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Adjust spice to taste.
- Toast burger buns lightly. On the bottom half, place lettuce, then tomato slice, beef patty, and a generous spoonful of spicy meat sauce. Top with a bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha, or substitute with a mild chili paste.
- For a gluten-free variation, serve the burger over rice or gluten-free buns.
- To enhance umami, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 31gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1242mgPotassium: 761mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 565IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg
Did you give this recipe a whirl?We're all ears to hear about your results!