Entree: Japan – Kyushu – 佐世保バーガー ➤ Sasebo Bāgā (Thick grilled Japanese-style hamburger with local sauces, bacon, egg, and vegetables)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 3 min

Total 38 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 8 slices bacon, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 4 large eggs, approx. 200 g (50 g each)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, approx. 4 oz (115 g)
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 1 large tomato, 1/2 inch slices, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, approx. 3 oz (85 g)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) tonkatsu sauce or thick Japanese Worcestershire-style sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or neutral oil for cooking
- 1 tbsp (15 g) butter for toasting buns

Instructions

1. Combine ground beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a bowl; mix gently and form into four 4- to 5-ounce patties (about 4 oz/115 g each). Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp; transfer to paper towels and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil if needed and sear patties 3–4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting time for desired doneness; place a slice of cheddar on each patty in the last minute to melt. Remove and rest 3 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, wipe the skillet and melt butter over medium heat; toast buns cut-side down until golden, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Fry eggs sunny-side up or to preference in the skillet; season with remaining salt and pepper.
6. Stir together mayonnaise, tonkatsu sauce and ketchup to make the burger sauce; taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Assemble burgers: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, patty with cheese, 2 slices bacon, fried egg, sauce, top bun. Serve immediately.