Barbecue beef burger

Method

• step 1

  Tip the beef mince, shallot, horseradish sauce, herbs and garlic into a bowl, and season well with salt and black pepper. Combine everything well using your hands, squeezing the mixture through your fingers repeatedly to help it bind together.

• step 2

  Divide the mixture into four portions and shape each into a 3cm-thick patty. Press a small 50p-sized piece of blue cheese into the middle of each patty, if using, and pack the meat around it to enclose the cheese – this will melt during cooking.

• step 3

  Put the burgers on a plate, cover and chill for at least 30 mins or overnight. Light the barbecue and wait for the coals to turn ashen. Or, heat a gas barbecue to medium.

• step 4

  Lightly oil the burger patties all over and cook for 5 mins until just starting to char. Carefully flip over and cook for a further 4-5 mins (for medium) or longer if you prefer well done. Remove the burgers to a board and leave to rest for a few minutes before serving. Alternatively, fry the burgers over a medium heat for 4-5 mins on each side until cooked through (a probe thermometer should read 70C).

• step 5

  Serve the burgers in the buns with lettuce, tomato slices and relish (see recipe, below), or any other accompaniments of your choice.