Sunday, August 28, 2016

Blue Apron: Lemongrass Chicken Burgers



Blue Apron gave product (a courtesy 2-person box) in exchange for this unbiased review. Not a Boomerang's Readers are eligible for a limited-time special discount- receive two free meals by subscribing today!

Makes: 2 servings
Calories: ~800 per serving
Prep: 15 min.
Cook time: 20-30 min.


Burgers are an American staple. There are so many ways to cook a burger well, and sometimes a few extra ingredients can take a burger from pretty good to extraordinary. In my household, the difference is usually the type of bun and/or cheese used, and whether or not there will be bacon or avocado. Hint: Always say 'yes' to bacon and/or avocado. 

Artisan potato buns? We're there. Chicken burger? Hmm...healthier than beef. An Asian twist on a classic? I'm in. Let's give it a go.



On to the meal!


A family member joined in, so the ground chicken got stretched. It was still enough to make decent-sized patties for three. I caved and bought extra potato buns so one of us would not have to go without. Admittedly, I did not follow these instructions exactly. The lemongrass did not work out. I tried, really, but was unfamiliar how to peel what essentially felt, looked, and smelled like a more acidic celery stick. The summer heat also put me off from using the oven for the potatoes. Instead, I chopped and fried them up in a skillet.

Burgers are a familiar and relatively safe choice to serve to guests. While half-Asian, I was not a fan of the sodium-based sauces used. It made everything too salty (to me), although the touch of Sriracha added a distinct, balanced spiciness that worked with the chicken patty overall.

This was a fun remix of the common burger and a nice addition to round out the fancier meals included in the box. Trying this out felt like I was cooking something for a trendy burger joint. I will use this experience as inspiration to be more adventurous when preparing burgers next time.




Similar Ingredient Pricing in a Grocery Store:
  • 10 oz. ground chicken = $3.12 or $4.99 / lb.
  • 2 potato buns = $0.92 or $3.69 for 8
  • 2 garlic cloves = $1.00
  • 1 large tomato =  $0.75 
  • 1 stalk lemongrass = $0.50
  • 3/4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes = $0.75 or $4.99 / 5 lbs.
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro = $1.49
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise = $0.20 or $4.26 / qt. Jar sold for $3.99
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce = $0.10 or $3.19 / qt. Bottle sold for $2.00
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil = $0.25 or $24.42 / qt. Bottle sold for $9.60
  • 1 x 1-in. piece of ginger = $0.50 or $2.00 / lb. 
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce = $0.10 or $6.38 / qt. Bottle sold for $2.99
Total, if it were possible to buy exact portions: $9.68 for three ($3.23 per serving), one sans bun
Actual, if buying full bags/bottles as sold in stores: $34.62, leaving potatoes, potato buns, and condiments for other meals


Read the full Blue Apron review

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