Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 slices Texas toast or 1/2-inch thick white bread slices
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing on toast
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 eggs
  • Hot sauce, for garnish
  • Special Equipment: Grill pan

Method

  • In a large bowl gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.
  • Divide ground burger mixture into 4 equal segments and form them into thick patties.
  • Refrigerate on a plate for 1 hour, then remove to and allow to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes before cooking.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, mayonnaise and lemon juice and salt, to taste.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Warm a grill pan over high heat.
  • Lightly brush the top of each burger with vegetable oil, then arrange on the grill, oiled side down.
  • Sear until the burgers release easily from the grill and are brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Brush with a bit more vegetable oil, flip and cook until the center slightly springs back, indicating a medium-rare center, another 5 minutes.
  • While the burgers are finishing, brush both sides of the bread lightly with olive oil then put on the grill and cook until toasted, about 1 minute, then flip and toast the other side.
  • Transfer 1 slice to each serving plate and spread with the garlic spread.
  • Top each slice with a burger and while they are resting make the eggs to top each burger.
  • In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat, crack an egg in the center, cover and cook until the white is set and the yolk is still runny, about 5 minutes.
  • Slide the egg on top of the of the burger, season with a bit of salt and pepper, then finish with a few shakes of hot sauce.
  • Repeat with the remaining butter and eggs and serve.