Cola-Glazed Beef Burger

Ingredients

• 800 g Minced Beef (80% lean, cold)
• to taste Salt (sea salt)
• to taste Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• to taste Sweet Paprika (dried, ground)
• to taste Garlic Powder (dried, ground)
• to taste Suneli Hops (Georgian spice blend, optional)
• 1 bulb Onion (medium, finely chopped)
• 3 tsp French Mustard (Dijon‑style)
• 1 L Coca Cola (regular, unopened)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Fat (e.g., oil or lard)
• 2 Burger Buns (sesame seed buns, split)
• 5 tsp Mayonnaise (regular)
• 2 slices Cheddar Cheese (sharp, sliced)
• 2 slices Tomato (ripe, sliced)
• 4 leaves Lettuce Leaves (iceberg or romaine, washed)

Instructions

1. Prepare Fresh Ingredients

   Finely chop the onion, slice the tomato, wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season and Mix the Meat

   In a mixing bowl combine the minced beef, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, Suneli hops and 1 tsp French mustard. Mix gently with hands until just combined; avoid over‑mixing.

   Time: PT10M

3. Form and Chill Patties

   Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than the bun. Place patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

   Time: PT15M

4. Make Cola Glaze

   While the patties chill, pour the 1 L Coca Cola into a saucepan, add the remaining 2 tsp French mustard and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens to a syrupy consistency (about ¼ cup).

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Cook the Burgers

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the vegetable fat. When shimmering, add the chilled patties. Cook 4‑5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 71 °C. In the last minute, place a slice of cheddar on each patty to melt.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

6. Toast the Buns

   Remove the patties and set aside. Add the split buns to the same skillet, cut side down, and toast for about 1 minute until lightly golden.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

7. Assemble the Burgers

   Spread 2 tsp mayonnaise on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato slice, the cheesy patty, drizzle 1‑2 tbsp of the Cola glaze, then top with the bun crown. Optionally spread a thin layer of extra French mustard on the top bun.

   Time: PT5M

8. Serve

   Serve the burgers immediately with extra glaze on the side if desired.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

1150

Protein

55 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

70 g

Fiber

3 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Minced Beef: Ground pork, Ground turkey
• Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
• Instead of Sweet Paprika: Smoked paprika (less sweet)
• Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
• Instead of Suneli Hops: Mix of dried thyme, coriander, and fenugreek
• Instead of Onion: Shallots
• Instead of French Mustard: Whole grain mustard
• Instead of Coca Cola: Cola syrup diluted with water
• Instead of Vegetable Fat: Olive oil, Butter
• Instead of Burger Buns: Ciabatta rolls, Gluten‑free buns
• Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt
• Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Swiss cheese, Gouda
• Instead of Tomato: Red bell pepper slices
• Instead of Lettuce Leaves: Spinach leaves

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Skillet/Frying Pan
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Measuring Spoons
• Plate for chilling

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Chill the patties before cooking to keep their shape.
• Reduce the Coca Cola to a proper glaze consistency; too thin will make the bun soggy.
• Do not overcook the beef patty; aim for an internal temperature of 71 °C.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use 80/20 beef for juicier burgers
• Add a pinch of brown sugar to the glaze for extra depth
• Toast the buns in the same pan to absorb flavor

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Cooked burgers keep 2 days in an airtight container; Cola glaze up to 1 week.

Freezer: Raw patties freeze up to 3 months; re‑freeze after thawing is not recommended.

Room temperature: Unopened Coca Cola stores indefinitely at room temperature.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Form patties and freeze them; they can be cooked directly from frozen (add 2‑3 minutes)
• Prepare the Cola glaze a day ahead and store in the fridge
• Pre‑slice tomato and lettuce and keep in airtight containers

Frequently Asked Questions