Aberdeen Angus Burgers for a Summer BBQ

Summer in Scotland is a time of vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, and enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside.

Though this summer has not lived up to the usual warm weather, it’s still the perfect time to have a it’s barbecue, where friends and family gather to enjoy delicious food in the summer months.

One of the best ways to celebrate summer is with a classic Scottish dish that showcases the country’s renowned beef – Aberdeen Angus Burgers.

These burgers are easy to prepare and packed with rich, meaty flavours that are sure to be a hit at any summer BBQ.

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lbs) Aberdeen Angus beef mince
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Barbecue sauce or your favourite burger sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the Aberdeen Angus beef mince, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Shape the Patties:
   • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Make a slight indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Burgers:
   • Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F) for well-done.
5. Add the Cheese:
   • During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
6. Toast the Buns:
   • While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread barbecue sauce or your favourite burger sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on top. Add the cooked burger patty with melted cheese, then cover with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the burgers hot, accompanied by your favourite sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.

Additional Tips

• Variations: You can customize your burgers by adding toppings such as caramelized onions, pickles, or bacon.
• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, like whisky barbecue sauce or tangy mustard sauce, to add a unique Scottish twist to your burgers.
• Sides: Serve with traditional Scottish sides like clapshot (mashed potatoes and turnips) or a fresh smoked salmon salad.

Aberdeen Angus Burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of Scotland during the summer months. They are easy to prepare, full of flavour, and perfect for a family barbecue or a casual outdoor gathering.

The rich, meaty taste of Aberdeen Angus beef, combined with the fresh ingredients, makes for an unforgettable meal.

So fire up the grill and savour the deliciousness of these Scottish burgers at your next summer BBQ!