Cookbook:How to Make a Great Burger
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[edit] Introduction
I'm sick of people making "meatloaf" burgers. They put all these seasonings, eggs, and breadcrumbs inside. I want it to taste like a burger, not a grilled meatloaf! In this article, I put some tips on how to cook great burgers that make everyone happy.
[edit] Cuts
I know fat's not healthy, and we don't like it, but I'll tell you a secret. All the fitness freaks, get out first. Okay, are they gone? So, you may not like the fat, but that's where all the flavor is. How about we make a compromise? 80/20 ground chuck, I'll say, alright? Good.
[edit] Seasoning
I actually like to sprinkle the seasonings on the patties once they're formed. That helps make a nice crust. I like to keep it simple. Kosher salt, black pepper, maybe steak rub or cayenne. No garlic, no onion, no meatloaf business.
[edit] Forming
Making patties is probably the hardest part of burger making. Too much pressure and you get a tough, dry burger. To counteract this, I like to pass the meat between my hands. Also, you'll want to make a depression in the center because when you cook it, the center swells and if you didn't put a depression, you'd end up with a UFO burger! Hah hah.
[edit] Cooking
Of course, you can always grill your burger, but you can also cook it by frying, broiling, smoking, baking, and sauteing.
[edit] Cheese
To me, burger means cheese on top. My standard is pepper jack since I like spicy food, but that's just me. You can use anything you like. Also, putting some cheese in the center of the burger is worth a try. If you want it nice and melted, place the slice on top and cover for one minute.
[edit] Fixings
To me, lettuce, pickles, and onions are a salad. We're having hamburgers. You can always dress it with ketchup, mustard, and mayo. I actually like to flavor my condiment. Chipotles work great mixed into ketchup or mayo. Mayo also helps to keep your bread soggy by being sort of a fat barrier blocking the meat juices.
Bye! Hopefully you'll stop grilling meatloaf and start grilling burgers!
