• 1 lb. high-quality grass-fed ground beef or ground lamb*
• 2-3 stalks fresh lemongrass, peeled and minced
• 1 lg. chunk ginger, peeled and minced
• 2-3 dried ancho chiles**
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. crushed coriander seed
• 1 tsp. crushed cumin seed
• 1 drizzle fish sauce
• 1/2 head garlic, minced
• 3 sm. shallots, minced

Pound ginger, lemongrass and all spices using a mortar and pestle (or toss into a food processor to save time). Mix with meat, shallots, garlic and fish sauce. Form into patties. You're good to go! Grill as you would any ordinary hamburger.*I’ve not yet tried ground pork, but I suspect it might work well. Pork is a popular grilling option in Southeast Asia.**Here’s the Southwest connection. Ancho chiles (dried poblanos) lend a rich, smoky aroma that pairs very well with these Asian flavors.