Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo Burger
Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo is the country's national dish, and this burger brings its core components — shredded beef, black beans, fried plantains, and fresh cilantro — into a handheld format. Bold, savory, and slightly sweet from the plantains, it comes together in about 30 minutes and makes a satisfying weeknight dinner with a distinctly Latin American flavor profile.
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef preferably 80/20 for juicier burgers
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs plain
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Toppings
- 1 cup black beans cooked and drained
- 1 large ripe plantain sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 4 medium burger buns preferably brioche
Instructions
- Prepare Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties approximately 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the Plantains: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and fry the plantain slices until golden brown on each side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. They should become caramelized and slightly crisp.
- Grill the Patties: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Listen for the sizzle and watch for juices to start oozing at the top to indicate they are ready to flip.
- Assemble the Burger: Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute until they are lightly browned and warm. Place a patty on the bottom bun, then add a few slices of the fried plantain, a handful of black beans, and scatter with fresh cilantro. Top with the other half of the bun.
Notes
Jen’s Tips
- For an extra kick, add a slice of sharp cheese on the patty just before removing from the grill.
- If looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
Nutrition
Calories: 577kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 31gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 127mgSodium: 1012mgPotassium: 812mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 716IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 6mg
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