
Delicious Bacon, Egg and Avocado Burger
There’s something about the combination of crispy bacon, a perfectly runny egg, and creamy avocado that just screams “weekend indulgence.” I still remember the first time I had a burger with this magical trio. It was at a small, unassuming beachside cafe during a surfing trip in Bali. After hours battling the waves, the simple yet exquisite burger, washed down with a cold Bintang, was pure heaven. It was a culinary revelation that has stayed with me ever since, and I’ve been tweaking and perfecting my own version ever since.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yields: 4 burgers
- Dietary Type: Variable (see variations)
Ingredients
- ½ small lime, juiced (or calamansi juice if available)
- 4 eggs
- 350 g shortcut bacon, rashers
- 4 Turkish bread rolls, split
- 1 baby cos lettuce, trimmed, leaves separated
- 2 handfuls arugula leaves
- 1 ripe and large avocado, chopped
- 2 pinches salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Equipment Needed
- Barbecue plate or large skillet
- Bowl
- Fork
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Instructions
-
Begin by preparing the avocado mash. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped avocado with the lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Using a fork, roughly mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency. Some people prefer it chunky, others smoother – it’s up to you. To prevent browning, cover the surface of the mashed avocado with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
-
Next, prepare the bacon. Preheat a greased barbecue plate (or a large skillet) over medium-high heat. Place the bacon rashers on the hot surface and barbecue (or fry) them for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they are just crisp. The key is to achieve that perfect balance between crispy and chewy. Overcooked bacon becomes brittle, while undercooked bacon is simply unpleasant. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
-
Now, it’s time to cook the eggs. Crack the eggs directly onto the hot barbecue plate (or skillet). Cook them for approximately 2 minutes for a soft yolk, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you prefer a firmer yolk, simply cook them for a little longer. Be careful not to break the yolks while cooking.
-
While the eggs are cooking, prepare the Turkish bread rolls. Toast or grill the split Turkish bread rolls until they are lightly crisp and golden brown. This will provide a sturdy base for your burger and prevent it from becoming soggy.
-
Assemble the burgers immediately. Place the bases of the toasted Turkish bread rolls on serving plates. Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado onto each base. Top with baby cos lettuce leaves and arugula leaves. Add the cooked egg and bacon rashers on top of the greens. Season with a final sprinkle of pepper.
-
Cover the burgers with the roll tops. Serve immediately and enjoy the look on people’s faces as they take their first bite!
-
Optionally, you can garnish the plate with potato wedges and garlic mayo for a more substantial meal.
Expert Tips & Tricks
-
Perfect Eggs: For perfectly round fried eggs, try cracking them into individual ramekins first before gently sliding them onto the hot pan. This helps to contain the shape and prevents spreading.
-
Bacon Bliss: To ensure even cooking, make sure your bacon rashers are of uniform thickness. If they are too thick, they might take longer to cook through, while thinner rashers could burn easily.
-
Avocado Protection: Lime juice is your best friend for preventing avocado browning. The acidity helps to slow down the oxidation process. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works as a substitute.
-
Make-Ahead Prep: You can prepare the avocado mash ahead of time, even a few hours in advance. Just ensure it’s well covered with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface, and stored in the refrigerator.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these burgers immediately after assembly to ensure the eggs are still warm and the bread is toasted. If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked bacon and eggs are best consumed within 1-2 days. The avocado mash is best used immediately or within a few hours, as it tends to brown even with the lime juice. Reheating the eggs is not recommended as they can become rubbery. If you must reheat the bacon, do so in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal | 28% |
| Total Fat | 35g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 250mg | 83% |
| Sodium | 1200mg | 50% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugars | 5g | – |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with grilled halloumi cheese or thick-cut roasted portobello mushrooms.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan bacon, a tofu scramble for the eggs, and vegan bread rolls.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread rolls.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the avocado mash for a fiery twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Add a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese on top of the egg.
- Different Greens: Instead of arugula or baby cos lettuce, spinach or kale also works great
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How do I prevent the avocado from browning so quickly?
A: The lime juice is crucial for preventing browning. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mashed avocado to minimize air exposure, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Q: Can I use regular bread rolls instead of Turkish bread?
A: Absolutely. While Turkish bread provides a nice texture and flavor, any sturdy bread roll will work. Just be sure it’s strong enough to hold all the ingredients.
Q: How do I get the bacon perfectly crispy without burning it?
A: Cook the bacon over medium-high heat and watch it carefully. Flip it frequently to ensure even cooking. Remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired level of crispness.
Q: Can I make this burger ahead of time?
A: While some components can be prepped ahead, it’s best to assemble the burgers just before serving to ensure the eggs are warm and the bread is toasted.
Q: What’s a good side dish to serve with this burger?
A: Potato wedges, sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or even a cup of creamy tomato soup would all be excellent accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon, Egg, and Avocado Burger is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. And, while the San Miguel beer I enjoyed in the Philippines might be optional, I highly recommend pairing this burger with your favorite beverage for the ultimate indulgence!