Tsukimi Burger
How to Recreate McDonald's Japan Tsukimi Burger at Home
Autumn in Japan is a magical time, especially when celebrating the Tsukimi (月見), or "moon-viewing," tradition. This annual event pays tribute to the autumn harvest and the beauty of the full moon. A common treat during this time is dango, a type of rice dumpling, enjoyed with family at home. But for many, including myself, autumn also brings the highly anticipated Tsukimi Burger from McDonald's Japan.
What makes this burger so special? The fried egg in the burger resembles the full moon, which is a nod to the season’s focus on lunar beauty. For those of you who want to experience the deliciousness of the Tsukimi Burger at home, I’ve created an easy, flavor-packed recipe that brings this autumn classic to your table. Let’s get started!
RECIPE
Servings: 8
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
For the patties:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion
1 tbsp butter
1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
Salt and pepper
For the sauce:
3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp sugar
Also need:
8 brioche buns
8 bacon slices (cut in halves)
8 cheddar cheese slice
8 egg (for the sunny-side-up)
My Kitchen Tools:
Instructions:
Prepare the onions: Chop the onion finely and stir-fry in a pan with a little cooking oil until soft and transparent. Add a tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt, then transfer the cooked onions to a bowl.
Make the patties: In the same bowl, add the ground beef, panko, milk, egg, and the sautéed onions. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well until combined. Shape the mixture into 8 patties.
Cook the bacon: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until it reaches a crispy (but not overcooked) texture. Remove and set aside.
Cook the patties: Using the same pan, cook the beef patties on both sides for about 2 minutes each, or until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through. Place the slice of cheese on each patty, set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mayonnaise, and sugar to create a tangy, sweet sauce.
Cook the egg: In a clean pan, cook an egg sunny-side-up, so the yolk stays runny like the moon.
Toast the buns: Toast your burger buns in the pan until they’re lightly golden and crispy.
Assemble the burger: Spread some sauce on the bottom half of the bun. Add the patty with cheese, then top it with the sunny-side-up egg, bacon, and another layer of sauce. Close with the top bun.
This homemade Tsukimi Burger perfectly captures the spirit of autumn in Japan. The richness of the fried egg, the juiciness of the beef patty, and the crispy bacon all come together in a delightful combination of flavors. Whether you're celebrating Tsukimi or just looking to enjoy a seasonal favorite from McDonald's Japan, this burger is a delicious tribute to the moon-viewing tradition. Pair it with some homemade fries or a side of dango for an unforgettable autumn meal!
