4th july

Not just any burger, John Torode's ultimate burger, with a spicy tomato relish and all the trimmings

John Torode'S Big Burger

olive oil

tsp cumin

bay leaf

garlic cloves, crushed

shallots,

red chilli, chopped

celery stick, chopped

tomatoes,

oyster sauce

beef

gruyères (optional)

burger buns, warmed

butter

tbsp mayonnaise

squeezy mustard

beef tomato,

few cooked rashers streaky bacon

Little Gem lettuce leaves

few gherkins

John Torode's big burger

First make the relish: heat oil in a large frying pan and add the cumin. Let it cook for a moment, then throw in the bay, garlic, shallots and chilli. Cook for 2 mins until soft but not coloured, then add the celery and tomatoes. Sweat everything down gently for 20-30 mins until the tomatoes lose their shape. Remove from the heat, season and leave to cool. This can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge.

To make the burgers, mix the egg yolks in a large bowl with the oyster sauce and soaked breadcrumbs. Season with lots of fresh, black pepper then add the meat, breaking it up a little. Mix everything, trying not to overwork the mixture or the burger will become heavy.

Take the mix and divide in half, then into half and half again so you end up with 8 even pieces. Roll each one into a ball and place a 10 x 10cm square of greaseproof paper on the bottom and top. Put in the fridge for 15 mins to firm.

Heat a griddle pan. Take 4 burger balls from the fridge and push them down so they become discs about the size of a burger bun, about 2cm thick, between the 2 pieces of greaseproof. Peel the paper off one side and slap down in the pan with no oil or seasoning. Peel the top layer of paper off and cook on a very high heat for a couple of mins. In total, a burger this size will take about 5-10 mins to cook, but you need a bit of colour and texture, so exactly how long is up to you. I turn my burgers after 2 mins, but I cook on a very high heat, and I like them a little pink. Keep warm in a low oven while you cook the rest, topping with the cheese slices, if you like, for the final few mins so they melt a little.

Lay the 2 halves of the warm bun in front of you and butter them lightly. Spread the mayo on both sides followed by a little mustard on the top bun and tomato relish on the bottom. Place a slice of tomato on the bottom bun followed by the first burger with the cheese, then some bacon, then the next burger, more relish, lettuce and finally the guacamole. Top with the bun and eat with the gherkins on the side.

Slow cook these American-style pork ribs so they're really tender then coat in an irresistibly sweet, sticky sauce

Stickiest ever BBQ ribs with chive dip

baby back pork ribs

cola

tsp toasted sesame seed (optional)

tbsp tomato ketchup

brown sugar

soy sauce

Worcestershire sauce

tbsp sweet chilli sauce

paprika

soured cream

tbsp salad cream

chive, snipped

spring onions, sliced

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and snugly fit the ribs into a roasting tin. Pour over the cola and enough water to cover the ribs, then cover the tin tightly with foil. Roast for 2-3 hrs, turning halfway through, until the ribs are really tender but not falling apart.

Meanwhile, put all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Gently heat, then bubble for about 2 mins, stirring.

When the ribs are done, carefully lift each out of the tin and sit on kitchen paper to dry. Tip away the liquid and wipe out the tin. Put the dry ribs back in the tin and coat all over with the sticky sauce. Cover and chill for at least 1 hr to marinate, but better still up to 24 hrs. Can be frozen at this stage.

Mix the dip ingredients together and chill until ready to serve.

Heat the barbecue and wait for the flames to die down, or heat oven to 220C/200C/gas 7. Add the ribs (in a roasting tin, if using the oven) and cook for 20 mins, turning occasionally, and basting often with remaining sauce. When ribs are sticky, hot through and crisping on the outside, slice to serve. Scatter with sesame seeds, if you like, and plate up with any remaining sticky sauce, warmed, and the chive dip.

Delicious and easy BBQ chicken sliders that are perfect for any gathering or party.

Top 3 4th july recipes from across the web

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John Torode'S Big Burger

Stickiest ever BBQ ribs with chive ...

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Top 3 4th july recipes from across the web

The most viewed 4th july recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

John Torode'S Big Burger

Stickiest ever BBQ ribs with chive ...

BBQ Chicken Sliders

The most viewed 4th july recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine