📖 Instructions

1. Let's begin by prepping your ingredients. First off, toast the brioche buns gently. This prevents them from getting soggy, and gives a nice texture. Next, if your cranberry sauce isn't already prepared, whip that together now. If using store-bought, give it a taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with a bit of lemon juice or orange zest. Set the buns and sauce aside.
2. Now, for the caramelized onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Don't rush this step – the slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Deglaze the pan with sake (or sherry/wine) during the last few minutes. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the ramen noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook them! You want them to be slightly firm, not mushy.
4. Let's get to the burger patties! In a mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough burgers. Form the mixture into patties slightly larger than the brioche buns, as they will shrink during cooking. I'm not the best cook, so its ok if they look messy.
5. Time to cook the patties. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired doneness. I love mine a little pink inside. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a generous slice of brie cheese and let it melt slightly.
6. While the patties are cooking, form the ramen 'buns': Divide the cooked ramen noodles into four equal portions. In a separate skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Place one portion of noodles into the skillet and press down gently to form a patty shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the noodles are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining noodle portions. It is okay to cry a little if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed.
7. Time to assemble the burgers! Place one ramen 'bun' on a plate. Top with a burger patty, caramelized onions, and a generous dollop of cranberry sauce. Finish with the top ramen 'bun'. You can use a toothpick to hold them together for presentation!