BBQ Pork Burgers & Corn on the Cob

Remove the butter from the refrigerator to soften. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Peel the onion and thinly slice into rings; separate the layers and place in a bowl of cold water. Peel and mince the garlic; smash with the side of your knife until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Finely chop the parsley leaves and stems. Remove and discard the corn husks and silks; halve the cob. Halve the buns.

In a bowl, combine the butter, garlic paste and parsley. Using a fork, mash and stir to thoroughly combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Thoroughly drain the onion; pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl. Add the flour and toss to thoroughly coat. In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a thin layer of oil on medium-high until hot. Once hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles immediately when added to the pan, working in batches, add the coated onion in a single, even layer. Cook, turning occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; immediately season with salt and pepper. Set aside in a warm place. Carefully discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

While the onion cooks, in a medium bowl, combine the ground pork (removing and discarding the paper lining from the bottom) and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine. Using your hands, form the mixture into two ½-inch-thick patties. Transfer to a plate. In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties and cook, loosely covering the pan with foil, 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan. Loosely cover the cooked patties with foil.

While the patties cook, add the corn to the pot of boiling water and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until bright yellow and slightly softened. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Off the heat, add the garlic-herb butter and toss to thoroughly coat. Set aside in a warm place.

Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pan of reserved fond; heat on medium-high until hot. Add the buns, cut sides down, and toast 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. Spread half the barbecue sauce onto the toasted bun bottoms. Top with the cooked patties, remaining barbecue sauce and onion rings. Complete the burgers with the bun tops. Divide the burgers, dressed corn and pickle chips between 2 plates. Enjoy!