Lemongrass Burgers & Cabbage Slaw

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut out and discard the cabbage core; large dice the leaves. Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds. Peel the carrots and grate on the large side of a box grater. Peel and finely chop the garlic; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Cut off and discard the ends of the lemongrass; peel away and discard the fibrous outer layers until you reach the pliable white core. Mince the lemongrass core. Halve the buns. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise and as much of the sriracha as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage, cucumber, half the sugar, half the vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, for at least 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the slaw marinates, in a small pot, combine the carrots, remaining sugar, remaining vinegar, a big pinch of salt and 1/4 cup of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally, for at least 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the carrots cool, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic paste and lemongrass; season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine. Using your hands, form the mixture into two 1/2-inch-thick patties. Transfer to a plate. In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties and cook 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness. Transfer to a plate and set aside in a warm place. Carefully drain off and discard any drippings from the pan. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Add the buns, cut side down, to the same, dry pan. Toast on medium-high 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a clean, dry work surface.

Divide the sriracha mayonnaise among the cut sides of the toasted buns. Top the bun bottoms with the cooked patties and pickled carrots (draining before adding). Complete the burgers with the bun tops. Divide the burgers and slaw between 2 dishes. Enjoy!