Gus Gallagher, of Belmont, (right) with Justin Bell of Jus Burgers.
Camera IconGus Gallagher, of Belmont, (right) with Justin Bell of Jus Burgers. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Belmont’s Gus Gallager claims burger crown with ‘If You Got Beef then Bring the Ruckus Burger’

Tim SlaterSouthern Gazette

BELMONT burger aficionado Gus Gallagher won the title of best burger with his creation ‘If You Got Beef then Bring the Ruckus Burger’ during WA Day celebrations.

Mr Gallagher is passionate about creating perfect burgers and took part in the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Buy West Eat Best (BWEB) program.

Mr Gallagher said his beef patties were made of beef chuck, cold-smoked for two hours before mincing.

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“It was definitely a labour of love getting all of the components spot on,” he said.

“I’ve been making burgers seriously for the past two-and-a-half years.

“The turning point was buying a mincer so that I could mince my own beef.

“Once you’ve created your own burger patty from scratch you will never go back to buying pre-prepared mince ever again.”

Agriculture Department executive director Peter Metcalfe said burger buffs were invited to create their burger and submit recipes on the BWEB Facebook page.

“Following their selection from 17 qualified entries, the four finalists had the benefit of a one-on-one mentor session with Justin to help them finesse their recipe before the cook-off on-stage at the WA Day celebrations at Elizabeth Quay,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“It was fabulous to see Western Australia’s premium pork, lamb, beef and chicken represented in the recipes of the four finalists, which were perfectly complemented by selected garnishes, condiments and buns.

“The home cooks delivered a delicious array of burgers that perfectly illustrated the high-quality of food produced in Western Australia.”

Mr Gallagher had to impress three judges at a cook-off; Mr Bell, food critic Rob Broadfield and Nicko’s Kitchen YouTube channel presenter Rob Nixon.

BWEB project manager Melissa Italiano said with burgers trending in the national food scene, the contestants delivered recipes that were at the cutting edge of ‘dude food’; creative, fun, funky and appealing.

Mr Gallagher won $500 and dinner for four at Jus Burgers.

His burger will also feature on the Jus Burgers menu.