Spicy beef burgers go next level with the addition of a few amazing flavours. Try these sizzling beef patties spiked with cumin and Sichuan peppercorns, with caramelised onions and capsicums, all served in pita and topped with a garlic yoghurt sauce. This has to be one of my all-time favourite burgers to make at home.
Xian Spicy Beef Burgers
350g (12 oz) beef mince
150g (5 oz) pork mince
small pita breads
1 onion, sliced
1 red capsicum, sliced
¼ cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)
vegetable oil
sea salt
Spice mix:
2 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tsp Sichaun peppercorns
1 tsp chilli powder
Garlic yoghurt sauce:
1 cup Greek-style yoghurt
1 garlic clove, finely grated
3 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro)
- Toast the cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns in a dry frying pan over high heat, being sure to keep them moving as they warm up. When they just starting to smoke, transfer to a mortar and use a pestle to grind to a fine powder (you can leave the cumin seeds a little coarse, just make sure the peppercorns are finely ground).
- Mix 2 teaspoons of the spice mix with the remaining ingredients for the garlic yoghurt sauce. Set aside for later.
- Take the remaining amount of spice mix and gently toss through the beef and pork mince. Do not overwork the mince mixture. Form the mixture into 6 loose, thin patties.
- Place a large frying pan or grill plate over high heat. Toast the pita breads on both sides until golden and warmed through. Use a tea towel to hold them while warm and slice them open (but don’t cut all the way through). Keep them warm in a tea towel until ready to serve.
- Lightly brush a large frying pan or a grill plate with oil. When the pan or grill plate is hot, season the patties generously with salt. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Put the same frying pan or grill (without washing it) back on a high heat. Add a tablespoon or so of oil and then add the onions, capsicum and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened.
- To serve, spoon generous dollops of the garlic yoghurt sauce into the pita breads. Top with the grilled patties and the onion mixture. Sprinkle over the spring onions and serve.
What is Xian burger?
Xian burgers are spicy burgers that originated on the streets of Xi’an, a city in north-west China. They are traditionally stuffed full of slow cooked lamb, heavily spiced with cumin and LOADS of fiery chillies.
What is a Chinese hamburger?
Xian burgers, whilst a delicious part of Chinese cuisine , are not to be confused with ‘Chinese Hamburgers.’ Chinese hamburgers AKA Rou Jia Mo translate to “meat in a bun”. And whilst they look similar to Xian Burgers, Rou Jia Mo are typically made with shredded pork belly and more mild seasonings, and Xian Burgers are known for their signature spice!
