Yaji Burger (Tavern Style)
Yaji Burger
By Vainqueur Staff
Recipe by: Funmilade Taiwo, Lamuren
Courtesy of Anjola Awosika for Vainqueur. Food stylist: Anjola Awosika and Funmilade Taiwo
Funmilade Taiwo’s intimate dining experiences, Lamuren, catapulted after his 2019 food catering, where his Yaji Burger first debuted. His recipes are innovative contemporary creations of West African cuisines, Canadian flavours and cultural nodes from his experiences in kitchens across the globe. In his reimagining of a ground beef burger, he includes a Nigerian sauce, suya, that contains a nutty, spicy, and smoky flavour profile. In this succulent burger recipe, he preps the pickle condiments uniquely with chilli flakes, apple cider vinegar, and options of dill or mustard seeds. You’ll need a food scale (optional), a non-stick pan, a skillet, or a grill.
Ingredients
Burger and Toppings
450g (1lb) ground beef
250ml (1 cup) mayo
15 - 30ml (1-2 tbsp) Yaji
1 lemon
15ml (1 tbsp) Kosher salt
3 slices of cheddar cheese
1 coral lettuce head or 225 g (0.5 lb) arugula
1 large yellow onion
30ml (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
15ml (1 tbsp) canola oil
1-3 sesame burger buns
Seasoned Pickles*
1 large cucumber
2 Minced garlic cloves from 2 head garlic
1 small yellow onion
118ml (½ cup) apple cider vinegar
118ml (½ cup) water
59ml (¼ cup) granulated sugar
15ml (1 tbsp) kosher salt
15ml (1 tbsp) pickling spice or chilli flakes
*Seasoned Pickles requiring preserving ingredients for a day
Caramelized onions
2 large yellow onions
30ml (2 tbsp) Olive oil
2ml (½ tsp) Kosher salt
Courtesy of Anjola Awosika for Vainqueur. Food stylist: Anjola Awosika and Funmilade Taiwo
Preparation
Burger Patties
Step 1
Divide ground beef into three scoops. Form scoops into round, flat patties. If using a food scale, make 150g (0.33lb) patties.
Caramelized Onions
Step 1
Cut your onions in half and then slice onions thinly.
Step 2
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 3
Add onions to a saucepan and cook on low to medium heat. Stir until golden brown. If you want your onions darker, cook longer.
Step 4
Season with salt. Adjust seasoning portion if needed.
Seasoned Pickles
Step 1
Slice cucumber and onions thinly. Place in jar or plastic container.
Step 2
Boil vinegar, water, spices, garlic, sugar and salt.
Step 3
Pour mixture into the container with cucumbers and onions and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for at least a day.
Makes 4 servings.
Inside the Lamuren Experience
Dress Burger
Step 1
Heat canola oil in skillet or non-stick pan at medium-high heat.
Step 2
Season burger patty on both sides with salt before placing in pan.
Step 3
Place your burgers in the skillet once it’s hot.
Step 4
Wait 3 minutes* before flipping to the other side. While burgers are simmering, toast burgers (if needed).
Step 5
Add slice of cheese to burger top. Turn down your heat to medium and cook until cheese melts.
Step 6
Spread Yaji on burger bun.
Step 7
Add and stack lettuce, burger patty, caramelized onions, and pickles to bun.
*3 minutes is the predicted time for the burger to be served at medium. Adjust time to meet your desired preference.