Conch Burger (Cayman Islands) 6oz

Makes two good sized (6oz) burgers

– 12oz of fresh conch meat

– juice of 1 sour orange

– 1/2 green onion (spring onion), finely chopped

– 1/2 clove of fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped

– 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper or 2 Seasoning Peppers (destemmed and deseeded for heat and flavor – optional)

– or Chili or cayenne pepper (to taste, if desired)

– freshly ground pepper and salt (to taste)

– 1 egg beaten

– some flour to cover the patties

Directions

Get the ingredients together ~ Prepare the cleaned conch meat, along with some finely chopped green onion, and minced fresh garlic, some freshly ground black pepper, and some hot chili pepper (the yellow bits) to give some fire to the burger.

Marinate the conch ~ add the juice of two sour oranges (you can use limes too), as well as salt if desired. Leave to marinate for an hour or so in the fridge, not forgetting to work the marinade into the conch flesh once in a while.

Drain off the marinade and then put the meat into the blender ~ just a short blend, long enough to be able to form a nice burger patty, but short enough so that the burger will have a good texture ~ we don’t want a baby batter!

Then form your mix into burger balls of 6oz ~ note the texture, having not over-blended

Form into patties then dip them in egg first on both sides, then coat in flour, and repeat, if you want a really crisp coating on the burgers you can double dip them

Now get your skillet or a non-stick pan and add your vegetable oil, just a little to fry them, and on medium heat on both sides to give it sear for 20-30 seconds on each side for a bit of color.

Then lower to lowest heat and fry each side for 10-12 minutes. Put a cover on and check the oil and in 5 mins carefully flip conch patty. This way it cooks slowly and gets more tender. Remove from pan and drain on paper towel. There you have it ~ a delicious conch burger ~ served in a toasted burger bun, with a slice of local vine-ripened tomato or whichever garnish you prefer. Try tartar sauce or Thousand Island or even Ranch dressing!