The Beach House Reef & Ranch Burger

The Signature Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger: The Ultimate Summer Indulgence

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience with The Signature Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger. This isn’t just any burger; it’s a masterpiece that perfectly marries the rich flavors of a juicy beef patty with the delicate zest of a homemade shrimp salad. It’s an unusual combination, perhaps, but one bite will convince you that it’s nothing short of delicious, making it an essential addition to your summer grilling repertoire.

The Signature Beach House Burger with Shrimp Salad

Savoring the Last Days of Summer with a Gourmet Burger

As August approaches, signaling the gentle winding down of summer, there’s no better way to cherish these sun-drenched days than with exceptional food. While hints of “back to school” might begin to appear, we choose to focus on the joy of the season. Summer is a time for relaxation, outdoor adventures, and, of course, unforgettable meals shared with loved ones. From beach outings and fishing trips to kayaking and backyard barbecues, every moment is precious. This Surf ‘n Turf Burger embodies that spirit, offering a taste of sophisticated summer comfort that encourages you to slow down and truly enjoy.

It’s a bittersweet feeling when summer starts to fade, but it’s also an invitation to make the most of every remaining opportunity for fun and indulgence. Think of it as a culinary celebration of everything we love about this vibrant season. And what could be more celebratory than a burger that defies expectations and delights the palate?

Close-up of the Signature Beach House Burger ingredients

The Secret to the Ultimate Surf ‘n Turf Burger Experience

What makes our Signature Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger so special? It’s the harmonious blend of classic and unexpected flavors, brought together with meticulous care. This mouth-watering creation starts with a perfectly cooked, juicy beef patty, then gets topped with a generous slice of sharp cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, a ripe beefsteak tomato, and finally, crowned with our legendary homemade shrimp salad. This isn’t merely a burger; it’s an elevated dining experience that combines the best of land and sea.

The foundation of any great burger is its patty. We recommend using high-quality ground beef, such as 85% lean, to ensure a succulent and flavorful result. Seasoning the beef with just the right touch of kosher salt and a hint of Old Bay Seasoning elevates its natural taste, providing a savory depth that perfectly complements the fresh seafood. Forming the patties correctly is crucial; avoid overworking the meat to prevent a dense, dry texture. A chef’s trick is to gently press a thumbprint into the center of each patty before grilling. This small indent helps the burger maintain its shape and cook evenly, preventing it from puffing up in the middle.

Grilling the beef patties for the Beach House Burger

The Star of the Show: Our Signature Shrimp Salad

The true innovation and “surf” component of this burger lie in our exquisite shrimp salad. This recipe has been perfected over many years, becoming an all-time favorite that transforms an ordinary burger into something truly extraordinary. The key is the fresh, succulent cooked shrimp, carefully chopped and mixed with a medley of vibrant ingredients.

Finely chopped green onions and crisp celery provide a delightful crunch and aromatic freshness. But what truly sets this shrimp salad apart are the nuanced flavorings: a subtle hint of fresh tarragon, the bright tang of lemon juice, and the iconic, savory kick of Old Bay Seasoning. These elements combine with creamy mayonnaise to create a perfectly balanced, utterly addictive salad that is both light and incredibly flavorful. The tarragon adds a delicate anise-like note, the lemon brightens every bite, and the Old Bay provides that signature maritime spice that seafood lovers crave. It’s this unique combination that makes our shrimp salad not just a topping, but an integral part of the burger’s identity.

This shrimp salad isn’t just for burgers, either! It’s fantastic served on its own, in a lettuce wrap, or as a light appetizer. But when paired with a hot, juicy beef patty, its cool, creamy texture and vibrant flavors create a sensational contrast that truly defines the “surf ‘n turf” experience.

Assembling the Signature Beach House Surf 'n Turf Burger

Grilling Perfection: Tips for a Flawless Burger

Achieving the perfect grill on your burger patties is simpler than you might think. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures a beautiful sear, locking in juices and creating that irresistible char. Place your seasoned patties directly on the grates and resist the urge to constantly flip them. For a medium-cooked burger, grilling for about 4 minutes per side is usually ideal. For those who prefer their burgers well-done, add an extra minute or two per side.

For an extra layer of flavor and melty goodness, add a slice of cheddar cheese to your burgers during the last minute of grilling. This allows the cheese to soften and envelop the patty, creating a delicious gooey topping. Once cooked to your preference, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. While the burgers are resting, take a moment to lightly toast your burger buns, adding another layer of texture and warmth to your creation.

Assembling Your Beach House Masterpiece

The final step is to assemble your glorious Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger. On the bottom bun, layer crisp green lettuce and a thick, juicy slice of summer beefsteak tomato. Place your perfectly grilled, cheesy burger patty on top. Then, comes the grand finale: a generous scoop of the creamy, zesty shrimp salad. Crown it with the top bun, and you’re ready to dive into an unforgettable meal.

This burger is more than just food; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a weekend barbecue, a delightful family dinner, or a special treat to mark the end of a beautiful summer day. With its robust flavors and unique combination, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to create a culinary memory that celebrates the very best of summer.

The Signature Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger Recipe

The Signature Beach House Surf 'n Turf Burger

The Signature Beach House Surf ‘n Turf Burger

Author:
Mary Ann Dwyer
Servings:
4

Print Recipe
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Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef (I use 85% lean for best flavor and texture)
  • 1 Tsp. Old Bay Seasoning (divided)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt (divided)
  • 1 lb. cooked shrimp, shelled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 4 Tbsp. mayo
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • The juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Slices of beefsteak tomato

Instructions

  1. To prepare the burger patties, gently divide the ground beef into 4 equal size portions. Form them into 1/2 inch thick patties. Be careful not to overwork the beef, as this can lead to a dense and dry burger.
  2. Press your thumb into the center of each patty, creating a small indent about the size of a nickel. This clever trick helps the patty hold its shape and cook more evenly on the grill.
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the burger patties with 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp. of Old Bay Seasoning. Set them aside while you prepare the shrimp salad.
  4. For the shrimp salad, cut each cooked shrimp into 2-3 bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green onions, celery, fresh tarragon, mayonnaise, the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, and the fresh lemon juice. Mix all ingredients until they are well combined and evenly coated.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the seasoned burger patties on the preheated grill. Grill them to your desired doneness. For medium burgers, grill for approximately 4 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time for rare or well-done preferences. If you desire cheese, place a slice on top of each burger during the last minute of grilling to allow it to melt beautifully.
  7. Once cooked, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, resulting in a juicier burger.
  8. While the burgers are resting, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
  9. To assemble, place a crisp lettuce leaf and a slice of beefsteak tomato on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a grilled burger patty, followed by a generous scoop of the homemade shrimp salad. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately.




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