• 400g rump steak sliced thinly (chill slightly before slicing for easier handling)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tsps balsamic vinigar for stir-frying

For the Burger Assembly:

• 4 hamburger buns of your choice lightly toasted
• 4 slices of cheese optional
• 1 large tomato sliced
• 4 leaves of crisp lettuce
• tomato ketchup optional

Special Hamburger Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle juice or finely diced sweet pickles
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
• dash of cayenne pepper optional
• 1 tbsp sriracha or wasabi sauce adjust for heat and colour
• salt and pepper to taste

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 medium onions thinly sliced
• 1 tsp fresh oregano chopped

Method:

• Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the steak slices in the marinade to coat evenly. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (longer for deeper flavour).
• Make the Caramelized Onions: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft (about 10–15 minutes). Stir in oregano and cook for another minute. Set aside.
• Prepare the Hamburger Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and sriracha/wasabi sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly brush hamburger buns with olive oil or butter. Toast in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
• Cook the Steak: Heat a large frying pan or grill pan over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated steak slices for 2–3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Add balsamic vinegar during the last minute of cooking to deglaze the pan and enhance flavour.
• Assemble the Burgers: Spread the hamburger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, steak slices, caramelized onions, and tomato slices. Top with cheese, if using (melt it briefly under a grill or in the microwave for a gooey finish). Add the top bun and secure with a skewer, if needed.
• Assemble the Burgers: Spread the hamburger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, steak slices, caramelized onions, and tomato slices. Top with cheese, if using (melt it briefly under a grill or in the microwave for a gooey finish). Add the top bun and secure with a skewer, if needed.

Tips for Perfection:

• Tender Steak: For easier slicing, chill the steak in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before cutting.
• Charred Buns: Toast buns on a grill for a smoky flavour.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and onions ahead of time to streamline assembly.

This refined recipe brings balance to the flavours while offering a structured guide for consistent results. Enjoy your elevated burger experience! 🍔