Recipe: Emeril's Grilled Steak Burgers and Caramelized Onions

June 9, 2006 — -- We asked you to e-mail us what you would like to see Emeril Lagasse cook on "Good Morning America." Carolyn Martin of Brewster, N.Y., wrote: "I would like to see Emeril do a kicked up Father's Day barbecue." Here is Emeril's recipe for grilled steak burgers with caramelized onions.

Grilled Steak Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Grilled Steak Burgers

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients
2 large good-quality hamburger buns or kaiser rolls, split in half
1 pound ground top sirloin
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
4 strips applewood-smoked bacon, cooked until crisp and drained
¾ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Condiments of choice, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard

Directions
Preheat the grill and preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the buns, split side up, on a baking sheet.

Form the meat into two large patties, 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and sprinkle each side with 1/8 teaspoon of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip, place 2 tablespoons of the grated cheese in the center of each patty, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes longer for medium-rare. (Alternatively, the patties can be cooked in a large skillet preheated over medium-high heat for the same length time.)

Meanwhile, warm the buns in the oven, about 4 to 5 minutes.

To serve, place the bottom buns on 2 large plates and top with the shredded lettuce. Place the patties on the lettuce and arrange 2 strips of bacon and ¼ cup of the caramelized onions on each patty. Place the top buns on each burger and serve with the red bliss potato chips on the side and condiments of choice.

Caramelized Onions

Yield: About ½ cup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups yellow onions, peeled and very thinly sliced
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon sugar
Pinch of salt