Lunch: Tennessee Burger with Bourbon and BBQ Sauce

Recipe by Sidney Fry, MS, RD We describe the Tennessee Burger with Bourbon and BBQ Sauce as a Southern triple threat--loaded with bacon, BBQ, and bourbon.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Honey

Health and fertility benefits of Tennessee Burger with Bourbon and BBQ Sauce

One tbsp of honey has a glycemic index (GI) of 55.

Ingredients

3 bacon slices
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups vertically sliced red onion
5 tablespoons bourbon, divided
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 cup lower-sodium ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground sirloin
Cooking spray
6 (1 1/2-ounce) French bread hamburger buns
6 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato

Instructions

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan. Add oil and onion to drippings in pan; cook 15 minutes or until onion is browned and very tender, stirring occasionally. Add 3 tablespoons bourbon, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 2 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates, stirring constantly. Remove mixture from pan. Cool 5 minutes.
Combine remaining 2 tablespoons bourbon, ketchup, and next 7 ingre­dients (through onion powder) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Coarsely chop 3/4 cup onion mixture; stir into beef. Divide beef mixture into 6 equal portions, gently shaping each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Press a nickel-sized indentation in center of each patty. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place patties on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
Spread each top and bottom bun half with 1 tablespoon sauce. Place patties on bottom halves; top each patty with 1 tomato slice. Divide remaining onion mixture evenly among servings. Top each serving with 1/2 bacon slice and top half of bun.

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