How to Build the Perfect Burger at Home
There are dozens of variations of the hamburger, different sauces, different add ons. Some people have secret spices, to the way they cook the burger. Some toast the bun, some uses rolls or other variations of the bun. During the summertime it is practically a right of passage grilling and enjoying hamburgers. Here are some tips to make the perfect burger at home.
Firstly the actual beef you put into your burger matters. Using high quality, freshly ground beef is best. Generally a 80/20 ratio of meat to fat works well, adding some salt and pepper for seasoning. At this stage you can also add other things such as spices or bacon inside the beef itself. Of course the beef can be substituted for some type of vegetarian option. Making the patties around 6 ounces is a good size for a patty. But this can also be adjusted for your liking.
Next comes the grilling. Begin preheating the grill, then use vegetable oil on the grill face. Once the oil is smoking, it is time to add the preformed patties. Many people choose to add more seasoning onto the patties in the midst of this step. Simply adding salt and pepper does a good job. People often over touch their burgers. This is a common mistake and the burger can lose flavor as a result. It is best to just flip when needed, and cover the grill. Pressing down and constantly touching the burgers should be avoided. Grilling for around 5 minutes is good for a medium burger. Another additional step here is to add cheese to your burger. Adding cheese onto the burger towards the end of its cooking cycle, for around 45 seconds to a minute with the lid closed will give a perfect melt. The type of cheese is a preference, but with so many options there is room for experimentation.
Another thing to consider when making a perfect burger is the bun. There are plenty of options including brioche hamburger buns. First, split the bun in half and place each side on the grill for only 10 seconds or so to get a lightly toasted golden bun.
Everything prior to the assembly should be considered for each burger. But with toppings and condiments there are many different combinations and options that can be tailored to fit your wants and preferences. A common burger is a “Hawaiian burger” which could include pineapple, onion, bacon, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Another more traditional burger split could include ketchup, mustard, tomato, and onion. There is a million different things to add onto a burger. It is up to you to find what tastes best to you.
As summer is beginning to approach, and that itch to enjoy a homemade burger fresh from the grill reaches a boiling point. Try some of these techniques. Nobody became a burger grilling expert over night, so it is important to try and experiment with different approaches. Once you have the techniques down, a fresh summertime meal is always less than an hour away.
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