25 minutes
- ⅓ cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Kosher salt
- 1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about ½ avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
- 2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
- 1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
- 4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
- Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
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In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
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In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the red-pepper flakes, ginger, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, chopped cilantro, scallion, mashed avocado and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
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Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1½ to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form ½-inch thick patties. Cook without moving for 3½ to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
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Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
- Resist the urge to add more than ¼ cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
New York Times