I was lunching with my friend, restaurant critic Brian Ries of Creative Loafing, and he asked me what I thought of area burger joints. The truth is, the only burger that I ever order out is McDonald’s - mainly because my boys must. have. that. stupid. toy. Never mind that sometimes the inattentive cashier stuffs pinktutugirly toys in their Happy Meal, …as if she struggled determining the sex of 2 little crew-cut tots wearing highlighter green shirts with massive dump trucks emblazoned with the words “HAUL IT.”
Clearly, she must have passed out from utter boredom during McD’s Happy Meal toy selection training.
But can you imagine the sheer delight of my boys when they discovered that instead of blue stupiduselessplasticjunk, they got the PINK stupiduselessplasticjunk!?!?
Of course, what do my boys first?
Lift up the skirt of the doll.
Andrew: (squeal!) “NO UNDERWEAR!”
Nathan: “AHH HAAAHAAA UNDERWEAR!!! You said UNDERWEAR!!!”
Me: “Boys….shhhh….not so loud. Let’s throw them back at the cashier and get the boy’s toy.”
Boys: “UNDERWEAR!!! HAHAHAHA!!! Lookit her BUTTTTTTT! AAAAHHHAAA! BUTTTT!”
Next thing I know, 3 small boys eating at a table to the right started saying, “BUTTTTTT!” Their mom, “Stop it!”
silence.
(whew)
Nathan: (softly) “butt”
“AAAAHHHAAAAAAA!! BUTT!” and then it started all over again. All 5 boys.
I surrendered to their childish, boyish fascination of the silly word, because it could have been worse. Much, much worse.
They could have said, “Bungholio”
Put THAT in your training, McDonald’s.
***
Thank you to Cynthia and Srivalli or awarding me the
I hereby pass this on and award it to:
I hereby pass this on and award to:
***
Asian Pork Burgers with Kimchi
My recipe was inspired by a fellow blogger - and I can’t remember who it was…I’m sorry! I’ll keep searching to find the blogger. If you know who you are, let me know!! named Birdeye Chili from Canada.
Kimchi is korean vegetable condiments, seasoned with garlic, ginger and chilis. While there are over 200 types of Kimchi, the most popular kind is made with cabbage. Learn more here. Do you want to make it?
Asian Pork Burgers is so versatile. Here are some options:
- You could substitute ground turkey for the pork. Shorten your cooking time too, as turkey will cook faster than pork.
- If you don’t have fish sauce or don’t like fish sauce, just leave it out and add a bit more soy sauce)
- Add a squirt of Sriracha hot sauce if you’d like more spice
- Do you like sesame oil? Add 1/2 teaspoon to the burger mix
- Other filling ideas: minced shallots, chopped cilantro, lime juice, grated lemongrass
- Other topping ideas: cool cucumber slices, pickled ginger, pickled cucumber ribbons
Asian Pork Burgers with Kimchi
makes 4 burgers
prep time 15 minutes; cook time 8 minutes
Pork burgers
1 lb ground pork (or turkey)
1 large garlic clove, smushed in garlic press
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (use microplane grater)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
salt & pepper
Toppings/Condiments
1 bunch scallions, washed & roots trimmed (keep scallions whole)
1/2 cup Kimchi
4 slices tomato
Japanese mayonnaise
4 hamburger buns
1 . Preheat your gas or charcoal grill : On medium-high
2. Make your patties: Combine all ingredients for the burger. Form 4 equal sized burgers. Don’t make them too thick or they will be difficult to cook thoroughly. With your fingers, form a nice little dent in the middle. The burger will puff up in the middle during cooking and the dent will allow your burger will puff up evenly.
3. Cook burgers: Brush grates of grill with a little oil. Cook burgers on medium-high direct heat for 4 minutes with lid closed. Open lid, throw your whole scallions on the grill. Flip burgers and cook another 4 minutes with lid open, or until internal meat is 160F. Serve with grilled scallions, a side of kimchi and any other toppings that you’d like. I like piling the kimchi on the burger.
OMGdeliciousyummayihaveanotherplease?
August 24th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Oh the stupid toy! How much time we wasted as kids on the stupid toy. Although I’m sure they boys were amusing to watch at McD with their little dolls. That cashier must not have been paying attention.
August 24th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Asian pork burger… hm, that could be interesting.
Every time I go to McDonald’s with my parents, which is very rare nowadays, they always reminisce of the day I started screaming and pointing to look at the fat lady across the way. “Mommy, look at the fat lady!” McDonald’s — the place to get embarrassed by your children.
August 24th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
I can relate to that stupid toy. It’s the only reason I go to McDonalds these days! They are giving out Build-a-Bear Workshop toys over here. On a happier note, LOVE your asian pork burger with kimchi. YUM!
August 24th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
different countries, same mcdonald’s stories
love the burgers. never heard of kimchi though. what is it?
August 24th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Oh my god, Kimchi !!!!!!!!!! Oh that stuff makes me gag just thinking about it.
Here at the office we have a rule about really strong smelling foods and I had to send some poor guy out to the patio to eat his Kimchi.
Otherwise, love your site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll be a regular.
Paula
August 24th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
According to my daughter, the Big Mac is about the greatest culinary achievement there is…and she even gave up Happy Meal toys to eat it…but this burger definitely looks more appealing to me!
August 24th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I love decent kimchi … and I’ve had some nasty stuff, too!
And Thank You for my first-ever blogging award! BTW, as I was reading this story, I kept waiting to read that one of them said, very loudly, “That looks like mommy’s butt!!” 
August 24th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Haha I have to admit that I went there before just to get the Super Mario toy.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I just tried kimchi and really liked it. I imagine that it would go well in a burger or a sandwich. The asian burger sounds like it is nicely seasoned.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Hi Jaden - Thanks so much for the award……I never thought of myself as a schmoozer…..the picture I get in my head is of a guy sitting in a bar..no wait, that’s lounge lizard, or ummm, in a red smokers jacket…no wait, that’s Dean Martin! Wow, I feel better already! Thanks so much Jaden! I’m a schmoozer now!
mmmm kimchi!
August 24th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Very Creative! It’s everything I’d eat with rice, but on a bun. The cucumber ribbons would be a very refreshing addition (like a pickle) I lick it! btw, what kinda dressing is that on the bottom? Mayo?
August 24th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Thanks for the award. Like Kirk, I gotta wonder what it means? Me? Schmoozer?
Last month my sister and I got Happy Meals for the Hello Kitty toys and all we got was a stupid clipboard holder with a big plastic head to hold it in. But Build a Bear? I gotta get me another mini stuffed animal! Hmm. Maybe I can lift up its skirt too and yell, “No underwear. UNDERWEAR!!! BUTT!!! BUTT!!!”
August 24th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
You have 2 adorable boys & another amazing post today!
August 24th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
these sound delicious! your boys are a riot!
August 24th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Boys will be boys right? My bf still thinks the word butt is funny. :p Asian pork burgers sound great! I was thinking of making a korean bbq burger the other day.
August 24th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Hubby doesn’t care for Kimchi but I’ll have to try the burger receipe. I have a bottle of fish sauce and no receipes to use it. My girls both can sing the McDonald theme song and go on about “loving it”. They love the Build-the-Bear toys and of course Hello Kitty!!
August 24th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
ROFL!!!!! Good thing I first came to your blog as soon as I got up….. I had a good start to the morning! Your kids are A-W-E-S-O-M-E.
Thanks for the link to khimchi…. I eat that as if its a main course and not a side dish
August 24th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Thanks for the reminder that ground turkey is often a good substitute for pork — for those of us who aren’t pork lovers.
August 25th, 2007 at 12:26 am
ehmmm…that looks great..and your kids look so cute..
Srivalli
http://www.cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com
August 25th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Your boys are a riot. Look at the colors in the photo. Is that banana leaf?
August 25th, 2007 at 3:46 am
Congrats on all your awards! And mmmm - I love kimchi! Keep piling it on!
August 25th, 2007 at 5:17 am
Your MacDonald’s story is just too funny. Too funny!
August 25th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Hi Jaden…first time to your blog
I am sure you have heard this already many times, but you have a really nice blog and you write well …..I am in splits laughing at the burger butt incident…:-)
August 25th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Um, it was me who posted about the Asian Pork Burgers - glad to see you liked them
August 25th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I’m only accepting the award if it comes with dinner… deal?
August 25th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Asian pork burgers sound yummy! Thank you for the Thinking Blogger award. But I must say, what were you thinking? Me - thinking?? More like rambling. But I’ll take the award and proudly display it on my virtual coffee table. Thanks!
August 25th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
My hands are shaking from laughter as I type
I love your sons! I do, I really do. I can read a blog full of stuff about them with cute, mischievious pics 
I’ve bookmarked the kimchi recipe and will definitely give it a try.
August 25th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Kelly- I admit, the boys are my source of entertainment and comic relief.
Nathan-TOTALLY!! One time I was mad at my Mom…pouting…at McD.
I started playing with the ketchup in the little plastic pouch…rolling…rolling rolling…
SQUIRT
I shot that ketchup clear across the table and it landed in some lady’s hair.
EWKitchen- Well, now we need to go soon to get a bear
Andrea-I just sent you an email + added link to the post
Paula - I LOOOOOVE Kimchi!!
Meeso- I personally love the Bigmac too. Fish filet is a close second though
LPC- you’re welcome!!
Cindy- I don’t remember the Super Mario toy
Kevin- try it…the kimchi is the best part!
Kirk- I guess I classify someone who EATS AS MUCH AS YOU DO as a schmoozer! Some weird association with eating out and schmoozing.
Henrychan- japanese mayo
WC- I dare you to
JEP & Kat - THank you!!
Amy - omg. what a great idea….you have to post!
Lillie- yes, its sad. my kids knew the McD logo before they could even talk.
Coffee- did u get your camera yet?
Lydia- I think I actually like the turkey version better. Well, at least I feel healthier.
Srivalli- thank u again for the award!
Suganya- yes it is
W&S - I think I could eat kimchi w.just about anything
ChubbyPanda-thank you!
Santhi- Welcome!
Birdseye- I am so happy that you came by and let me know! Love the recipe.
Brilynn- Anytime, B, anytime. I’ll just fly my lear jet over to come pick you up.
Lynn- YES you thinking!
August 26th, 2007 at 5:02 am
Oooh my goodness. Seeing these reminded me of my ma’s bulgogi and kimchi burgers - we’ve got the mince thawing now as I type this
August 26th, 2007 at 9:50 am
These pork burgers definitely are a cut above those bland ones we get at the fast food lanes. Hey, thanks for nominating me as a Thinking blogger. I’ve already done this meme though…but I am so tickled to be nominated once again :). You really need to write a book about your boys, they are so funny especially when they put you in an awkward spot ;).
August 26th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
That toys are amazing for all the children, in Italy is the same things, Mc Donalds should have in tne menu your Asian burger, it’s terrific!
Bye
August 26th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Aww thanks darlin’!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Oh Jaden…..thank you for the “power of schmooze” award, we are overwhelming with your generous award. This is the first time we had been awarded with such an award or an award. Thank you again, Jaden.
Butt… whose butt….. I got a lovely butt, well curve… lol… are yours too?
Love your pork burger which comes with kimchi…a true asian flavour with a western twist.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:57 am
Oh Jaden, those are such gorgeous little sweet boys. That is way too funny but then having had two such little boys, I can so much relate!
And WOW on the burger, I have got to get to my specialty market for Kimchi.
I’m so glad you liked the garlic bread topping. I want to revisit that again and just haven’t had the time.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Oooh….I not only want the food you cook but I want your kids too…(well, maybe for about 10 minutes! LOL) So adorable!
August 27th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Did anyone notice Jaden’s photos on http://www.ebaumsworld.com?
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/34164/
Any TRUE fan would recognize her work ANYWHERE!
August 28th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Hi Jaden, Congratulations for the awards
and i will surely try out the same recipe with ground chicken or meat very soon. Looks delicious. Love your blog and presentation 
You are an inspiration.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Your boys are so cute …boys will be boys… my nephew were like this when he was that age but now he is all 17 years old.
August 28th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Hi Jaden
Thank you so much for the “Thinking Blogger” award — I’m honored! =) I’m sorry for the late reply…life got a little hectic for me. Thanks again! =)
August 28th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
First, thank you so much for the award! I’m blushing
Shuffle, shuffle 
Second, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that is the custest little dynamic duo in the history of little dynamic duos! Yes, even saying “butt”…even saying “bungholio”!
Third, that burger sounds awesome…I love the Asian flavors and love the pork! Gotta try that soon
Fourth, I can eat kimchi until tears roll down my eyes! YUM!!!
October 7th, 2007 at 3:09 am
You are a supermom too! I saw the pics of your two boys and they are soooooooo cute. You must be very proud of them. Reminds me of my granddaughter (6 yrs old) who only knows one place to eat…at MacDonald’s. I noticed later on that she doesn’t really eat the food from her Mighty Kids meal. She only wants the toys.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Wow, I’m a huge fan of asian food and these look and sound amazing!