Turtle Burgers Are an Alternative to Boring Hamburgers

Are you looking for an alternative way to serve the boring hamburger? Serving a turtle burger may be the best way to go.

Louisiana has always been known for its cuisine-jambalaya, gumbo, fried oyster po'boys, crawfish etouffe, andouille sausage, and so much more. This standard fare is not always the healthiest of cuisines for the person watching his or her weight or high cholesterol, but....

MMMmmm! Is it delicious!!! And it is never boring!

Cooking Cajun style

Not everyone has the know-how to cook Cajun style. Not everyone has the time to learn. Not everyone has the patience to shuck the oysters or peel the shrimp.

But for those who are willing to spend a little time in the kitchen, and take time to prepare this delicious, crowd-pleasing burger, no one will be disappointed.

The most time-consuming step is to get through the turtle's shell, but it simply takes time to master the technique. Once you have that technique down, cutting the head, feet and tail will be simple.

For the squeamish, try putting on some Zydeco music, as you are preparing the turtles, and dance in place. It may make you feel as if you are back on the bayou.

As for those watching weight or cholesterol numbers, the recommendation is "everything in moderation." One bite of turtle will probably not kill you.

Cajun Style Turtle Burgers
Adapted from Louisiana Cookin'

Ingredients:
Your favorite hamburger recipe, shaped into patties (add creole seasoning for a kick)
Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Raw bacon slices
Hot dogs

Assemble and cook the "Turtle"
1. Place a slice of cheese on top the burger patty, making the "body" of the turtle
2. Wrap bacon slices around the whole body by weaving them, which makes the turtle "shell"
3. Cut the hot dogs into pieces and place into the shell body as the head, tail, and legs, shaping as necessary for the tail, and cutting slits into the legs for toes.
4. Cover a cookie sheet pan with foil and place a cooking rack over the pan to keep the "Turtle" from swimming in the fat.
5. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 20-30 minutes until the "turtle" is cooked to perfection.

Getting a visual is important, so the before and after pictures of how the turtles should look can be seen at Louisiana Cookin'.

Turtle burgers should not be too blackened, as you might in some Cajun style recipes. Make sure they are crispy and browned, but not too crunchy that the turtle loses its shell when cut.

Turtle...now that's some GOOD eatin'!

Source

Louisiana Cookin'