Ingredients:
• For the Burger:
• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 12 pieces thick-cut bacon
• 1 large onion, very thinly sliced into rounds
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 6 TB spoons ShaSha sauce
• 6 Brioche buns
• olive oil
• For the French Onion Sauce:
• 1 Tb spoon olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 TB spoon minced garlic
• 1 TB spoon tomato paste
• 2 TB spoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• For the Cheese Fondue:
• 2 TB spoons unsalted butter
• 2 TB spoons flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/ cup heavy cream
• 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, grated
• 2 TB spoons Horseradish sauce
Directions:
• Place a saute pan over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
• For the Burger:
• Form the beef into patties, about 5 to 6 ounces each or just larger than the size of your bun.
• Press an indent into the center of the burger with your thumb, just to form a small impression.(This keeps the burger from shrinking during cooking.)
• Season the patties with salt on both sides.
• Place the patties on the grill and cook on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes or until nicely charred.
• Flip the burger and continue to cook on the second side for 2 to 3 more minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
• Meanwhile, toast the buns over a low heat on the griddle.
• For the Fried French Onions:
• Combine the all purpose flour and the cornstarch and a pinch of salt in a bowl and add the sliced onions.
• Separate the onion pieces to make sure they are all evenly coated.
• Transfer to a strainer and shake off excess flour before adding to the hot oil.
• Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Work in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
• Remove the onions using a metal strainer to a paper towel lined plate.
• For the French Onion Sauce:
• Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high.
• Add onions and sugar to pan; saute 5 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and tomato paste; saute until paste begins to brown, 1 minute.
• Sprinkle mixture with flour; cook 1 minute.
• Stir in broth, wine, and thyme.
• Bring sauce to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
• For the Cheese Fondue:
• Place a sauce pot over medium heat and add the butter.
• When the butter has melted, whisk in the flour.
• Whisk in the milk and cream along with the nutmeg, cayenne, salt and pepper.
• Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens.
• Add the cheese and horseradish sauce.
• Set aside.
• Begin building the burgers:
• Smear the bun with a bit of the Sha Sha sauce.
• Add a few tablespoons of French onion sauce and a piece of thick-cut bacon and cooked burger pattie.
• Top with cheese fondue, fried onions and bun.
