-
1
Make the barbecue sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
-
2
Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes.
-
3
Add the chili powder and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 1 minute.
-
4
Stir in the ketchup, preserves, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup water.
-
5
Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
-
6
Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth; let cool to room temperature.
-
7
Make the burgers: Combine the ground beef and 3 tablespoons of the prepared barbecue sauce in a bowl; mix with your hands until just combined.
-
8
Form the meat into six 1/2-inch-thick patties; season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
9
Preheat a grill to medium.
-
10
Toss the onion with 1 tablespoon of the barbecue sauce and the vegetable oil.
-
11
Grill (use a grill basket if you have one), turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 8 minutes.
-
12
Transfer 1/2 cup of the remaining barbecue sauce to a separate bowl for brushing.
-
13
Increase the grill temperature to medium high and grill the patties, brushing with the barbecue sauce and flipping occasionally, about 8 minutes for medium rare; top with the cheese during the last minute and cover to melt.
-
14
Toast the buns on the grill.
-
15
Serve the burgers on the buns; top with the grilled onions, avocado slices and more barbecue sauce.
-
16
Photograph by Anna Williams
