Award Winning Grilled Burger Food

GRILLED BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Divide the beef into four 6-ounce portions. Gather each into a ball, then gently flatten into a 4 1/2-inch-wide patty about 3/4 inch thick. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to make a 1/2-inch-deep indentation (this prevents the patties from bulging as they cook). Season the patties on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil, then grill the patties indentation-side up until marked on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until marked and slightly firm, about 3 more minutes for medium doneness.
• Remove the burgers to a plate and let rest 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve the burgers on the buns; top as desired.

THE BEST GRILLED BURGERS

Steps:

• Form the ground beef into four 8-ounce patties. A quick and easy way to do this is to divide the meat into 4 piles. Place a pile on the top of a deli container lid. Take a second deli container lid and place the top of it against the meat. Press down evenly and firmly and watch as a perfect patty forms. Repeat with the remaining meat. Make an indentation in the middle of each patty with your thumb to keep the burger from shrinking as it cooks.
• Sprinkle each patty on both sides with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil. Grill the patties, indentation-side up, until marked on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until marked and slightly firm, about 4 more minutes for medium-rare. For cheeseburgers, top with 1 slice cheese during the last minute of cooking if desired; cover the grill to melt. Remove to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
• While the burgers cook, place the onion slices on the grill (try to keep them together in a disk). Cook until they are golden on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip with a metal spatula and sprinkle generously with salt. Cook on the other side until the onions are lightly charred and softened through, about 4 minutes, and transfer to a plate.
• Right before serving, toast the buns cut-side down on the grill. Top the bottom bun with a burger patty and layer with grilled onion, lettuce and a slice of tomato. Spread the inside of the top of each bun with some mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. Arrange the pickle chips on top. Flip over to top the burgers and secure with a toothpick if desired.

PERFECT GRILLED BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Form ground beef (preferably chuck) into 6-ounce patties and make an indentation in each. Season the patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil, then grill the patties, indentation-side up, until marked on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until marked and slightly firm, about 3 more minutes for medium doneness. For cheeseburgers, top with 2 slices cheese during the last minute of cooking; cover the grill to melt.

THE PERFECT BURGER

Steps:

• Lightly oil grill& heat BBQ to medium.
• Whisk egg in a bowl& add next 6 ingredients.
• Add any of the “stir-ins” that appeal to you.
• Crumble in beef& using your hands or a fork, gently mix together.
• Handle the meat as little as possible – the more you work it, the tougher it gets.
• Gently shape (don’t firmly press) mixture into burgers about ¾ inch thick.
• Using your thumb, make a shallow depression in the centre of each burger to prevent puffing up during cooking.
• Place burgers on the grill, close lid& BBQ until NO LONGER PINK INSIDE, turning once, about 6 – 8 minutes per side.
• An instant read thermometer should read 160F.
• Don't abuse your burgers by pressing with a spatula, pricking with a fork or turning frequently as precious juices will be lost!
• Tuck into a warm crusty bun& add your favourite toppings.

BEST GRILLED BURGERS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients and shape into burgers.
• Grill to desired doneness.
• Top with a slice of your favorite cheese.
• We especially like provolone or swiss.
• Note: You can add oregano if you like Italian, or taco seasoning if you lie Tex-Mex!