The Perfect Hamburger
Americans consume approximately 50 billion burgers each year, averaging about three hamburgers per person per week! While we may not all be able to reach that level of indulgence, we can certainly enjoy one truly exceptional burger whenever our cravings arise, all from the comfort of our own homes.
Ingredients
- 8-12 oz ground chuck, 80/20
- 1/2-3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 brioche or hamburger buns
Toppings such as mayo, mustard, ketchup, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle.
Instructions
- To toast the buns, heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the cut side of the bun down in the pan and cook until it is slightly browned.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture into two portions, then use your hands to shape them into patties. The ideal size should be larger than that of the bun, as the patties will shrink slightly during cooking.
- Use your thumb to create an indentation in the patty. This technique helps maintain the patty's shape while cooking.
- Cook the patties over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them once halfway through. You can also baste the patties with the pan juices or extra butter as they cook.
- Serve with toppings of your choice. Tip: Use lettuce as the bottom layer to prevent the bun from becoming soggy due to the juices and don't forget to season your tomatoes!
