I love my brain sometimes. When it’s working right, it’s so creative….Of course, there are other times it simply balks at work and goes on vacation. Yesterday, it was hot at work and came up with a meal that is so good, my mouth still waters when I think of it.
Not only was it good, I’m still patting myself on the back for not only using odds and ends I had in the refrigerator and creating a sumptuous meal that would cost a fortune in any fancy restaurant but also for solving a major meal problem creatively.
Read : Korean Bulgogi Beef Recipe
I’m on a quest to use leftovers so creatively you don’t realize you ate them the night before in a different form. I had a large bowl of rice, cilantro, mushrooms and a bowl of bulgogi beef leftover in the refrigerator that I had to use soon.
It was easy since you use the same marinade and process to make them. I wanted to make bulgogi beef burgers but didn’t have buns and don’t like to use the oven in the summer. My second thought was a stir fry style meal, but I saw the homemade kimchi and that was my inspiration—no bake rice burger buns!
Rice Wont Stick Together?
The biggest problem I faced was getting the rice to stick together like a bun so I added some sesame oil and 1 tbsp of cornstarch then I crisp the outside for more of a bun-like appearance. But if you’re using the sushi rice, this is not an issue.
That actually helped my brain make the leap to the mini 3-inch cheesecake spring molds since cat food cans lightly danced across my mind for the mini cheesecake before I broke down and bought the forms.
I mixed a bit of sesame oil and a pinch of salt, cilantro and squeeze some lime then packed each form and allowed the mixture to brown on one side before I removed the form. BIG HINT: Wear a mitt that allows you to manipulate your finger.
I made three types of rice burgers. One had the bulgogi beef, one had the bulgogi mushrooms and the third one had a mixture of the two. Just use one rice bun for the bottom, add a slice of lettuce and then the bulgogi meat or mushroom, top it with some kimchi or your favorite veggies and then another rice bun. Scrumptious!
Bulgogi Rice Hamburger
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked Sushi rice (I used some leftover rice here)
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, to taste
- a pinch of salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (to brown the top rice)
- leftover bulgogi (find the recipe here)
- Lettuce, carrots (any of your favorite vegetables)
Instructions
- Mix leftover rice with sesame oil, 2 tbsp minced cilantro and add salt to taste. Set aside.
- Using a three inch ring mold, press rice into the mold tightly to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- The sesame oil should help bind the rice together slightly. But if using the sushi rice, this is not a problem.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium high heat, place rice patties onto the pan.
- Brush the tops of the crusty rice patties with soy sauce.
- Cook for few minutes till there is a thin layer of crust.
- Carefully flip the rice patty with a spatula. Cook for another few minutes.
- kimchi, cut into bite sized pieces (optional)
- lettuce or any favorite greens
- Place lettuce over rice burger patty. Add some bulgogi and greens. Finally, top it off with another rice burger patty. Serve immediately.
Notes
Hi there, my name is Calleigh. Glad you’re here, you will find recipes that are easy to make and taste fantastic.
muideen samuel says
this is great I never knew you could create something great from left overs. thanks for sharing
Sheri says
I have never had one! These look fantastic and what a great and creative idea. I love that I can have this done in 30 minutes. Excellent.
Margarette Puno says
Wow! I have never tried this before. Looks so awesome and delicious!
Nayna Kanabar says
What an innovative recipe that you have created. It looks delicious and very well presented.
Our Family World says
We’ve had rice burgers before, but the filling was chicken or tuna (with wasabi). Having that is a complete meal in itself. Carbs, veggies, protein all in one bite! Thanks for sharing the procedure on how to make those rice buns. I know that would be the biggest challenge. 🙂
Natalie says
Turning leftovers into masterpieces. Looks and sounds so tasty. Never will I look at a burger the same. going to give this a try at the weekend
Ana says
I will never look at leftovers the same way because you have shown me how to creatively use my leftovers. I like the sound of rice as a replacement for the bun x
Darleen Redman says
Wow. My mouth is watering looking at this. Can you come over to my place and make it for me? Heehee
kay says
that is SO creative! And it looks amazing!
Kristine says
How creative! Great way to use left over rice! Looks delicious
Ginny says
What an smart idea! Love those crazy buns and they it all sounds delicious!
Juli Meyers says
This is definitely a creative dish, I love it.
Catherine says
Such a genius idea! These look so good….I wish I could have one right now!
Sues says
Whoa this is crazy awesome!! I love your brain, too 🙂 Definitely pinning this one!
Jenna Urben says
Wow, this is so creative! I love it!!
Roxana says
Really a creative recipe. Love the Asian flavors. Would definitely love to try this.
Courtney- Life Of A Med School Wife says
This is so creative and looks delish! I will definitely give this recipe a try,.
Chanel van Reenen says
So I had never heard of these until Tuesday evening! My husband and I tried a new Korean steak house near us and we ordered these as an appetizer! They were so delicious and it’s totally fate that I came across this recipe! Cannot wait to make them!
Tara | Deliciously Delcassified says
Wow! What an amazing transformation of your leftovers. I always struggle with doing that with mine – these look great.
Lindsey Mozgai says
This is such a unique take on the classic burger! I love seeing new burger recipes.
Linda @ With A Blast says
Now this is different ! Looks delicious !
Monica | Nourish & Fete says
Isn’t it the best feeling when you come up with something creative like this!? I just started reading the book The Everlasting Meal, which (I think) is in large part about being creative and flexible like this in the kitchen. I just love the concept and want to be more like that myself! These look terrific. 🙂
Pam Greer says
These are amazing! So creative!