Gordon Ramsay’s viral butter-basted wagyu TikTok burger sparked both intrigue and confusion. While undeniably delicious, certain elements felt disjointed, hindering the burger’s full potential. This analysis explores the burger’s construction, identifying areas for improvement and ultimately refining it into a culinary masterpiece.
The original burger featured an eight-ounce Australian wagyu patty, butter-basted to perfection. A standard brioche bun housed this behemoth, along with gruyere cheese, melted with a blowtorch. Sriracha mayo with Worcestershire sauce coated both bun halves. Worcestershire-glazed onions and a fried egg added further complexity. Finally, spicy quick-pickled cucumbers and butter lettuce completed the ensemble.
This combination, while boasting high-quality ingredients, suffered from a lack of cohesive identity. The rich wagyu, buttery onions, and gruyere hinted at a classic, indulgent burger. However, the Sriracha mayo and quick-pickled cucumbers introduced a Southeast Asian flair, reminiscent of a banh mi. The fried egg, while visually appealing, further muddled the flavor profile.
The core issue lies in the burger’s textural imbalance. The large patty, combined with the egg yolk and sauces, created an excessively wet and sloppy burger, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
To rectify this, several key adjustments were implemented. Firstly, the fried egg was eliminated, reducing the excess moisture and allowing the other flavors to shine. The Sriracha mayo and quick pickles were replaced with Dijon mustard mayo and cornichons, aligning the flavor profile with a more classic, French-inspired theme. Finally, the patty size was reduced to six ounces, further mitigating the excessive moisture.
The revised burger still retains its juicy, indulgent character, but with a newfound balance and clarity of flavor. The beef, now the star of the show, harmonizes beautifully with the caramelized onions, gruyere, and Dijon mustard mayo. The cornichons provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the other components.
The refined burger offers a superior eating experience. The structural integrity is significantly improved, allowing for easier handling and consumption. The flavors are more focused and harmonious, showcasing the high-quality ingredients without unnecessary distractions. This transformation, from a somewhat confused adolescent to a refined gentleman, demonstrates the importance of thoughtful ingredient selection and a balanced flavor profile in crafting a truly exceptional burger.
