The Asian Pear Chicken Burger is a culinary adventure, a unique blend of global flavors that brings a fresh and exciting twist to the classic chicken burger. This dish is built on a foundation of a well-seasoned ground chicken patty, which is elevated by layers of vibrant ingredients, from sweet and crisp Asian pear to a rich soy aioli that ties everything together.
The burger starts with the ground chicken patty, made using a blend of ground chicken, finely chopped red bell pepper, fresh ginger, garlic, cilantro, and a hint of paprika. These ingredients combine to create a juicy, flavorful patty with a subtle complexity. The red bell pepper offers a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch, while the ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth to the flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note, while paprika lends a smoky, slightly spicy undertone. The mixture is bound together with an egg and breadcrumbs, ensuring a perfect texture that’s both tender and firm.
Once the patties are formed, they are pan-seared, developing a beautiful golden-brown crust while sealing in the juicy, savory interior. The careful cooking process allows the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings to shine through without being overpowered.
One of the standout elements of this dish is the soy aioli, a creamy and flavorful sauce that plays a crucial role in bridging the burger’s flavors. This aioli is made by blending rich mayonnaise with soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and garlic. The result is a sauce that combines the richness of traditional aioli with the umami depth of soy and the nuttiness of sesame oil. The lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce and the burger, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor. This soy aioli provides a luxurious and savory layer that complements the other ingredients.
What truly sets this burger apart, however, is the addition of thinly sliced Asian pear. The pear’s crisp, juicy texture and delicate sweetness contrast the savory chicken and creamy aioli. The Asian pear adds an unexpected freshness that balances the burger’s richness while offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Topped with a handful of peppery arugula, the burger gains a layer of texture and flavor. The slightly bitter and spicy arugula adds both visual appeal and a refreshing bite that complements the sweeter and savory elements of the dish. The toasted bun adds the final touch, providing a crunchy, warm vessel that holds everything together.
The Asian Pear Chicken Burger is a true celebration of flavors and textures. With each bite, you get the juicy chicken, the fresh sweetness of the pear, the peppery arugula, and the rich, umami-packed soy aioli. This burger is perfect for those looking to elevate their usual burger experience with a dish that blends comfort and sophistication, offering a taste of global inspiration in every bite.
Asian Pear Chicken Burger
4
servings30
minutes15
minutes45
minutesThe Asian Pear Chicken Burger is a harmonious blend of a juicy, spiced chicken patty and crisp, sweet Asian pear slices, complemented by peppery arugula and a rich, umami-laden soy aioli, all nestled within a toasted bun for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Burgers
1 pound ground chicken
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
- For the Soy Aioli
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
- For the Sandwich
4 hamburger buns
2 cups arugula
1 large Asian pear, thinly sliced
Directions
- Make the Soy Aioli:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld. - Prepare the Chicken Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped red bell pepper, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir in the beaten egg and breadcrumbs until well combined. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. - Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side. - Assemble the Burgers:
Toast the burger buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of the soy aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked chicken patty on top of the aioli. Add several slices of Asian pear for a sweet and crunchy contrast. Top with a layer of arugula leaves. Add an additional dollop of soy aioli on top of the arugula. Cap each burger with the top half of the bun.