The Perfect Cheeseburger Food

PERFECT BURGER

Steps:

• Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
• IF USING A GRILL: Heat a gas grill to high or heat coals in a charcoal grill until they glow bright orange and ash over. Brush the burgers with the oil. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes for beef and 5 minutes for turkey. Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese; see step 3) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cook turkey burgers until cooked throughout, about 5 minutes on the second side.
• IF USING A GRILL PAN: Heat a grill pan over high heat on top of the stove. Cook the burgers as for a grill, above.
• IF USING A SAUTE PAN OR GRIDDLE (PREFERABLY CAST IRON): Heat the oil in the pan or griddle over high heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Cook the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes for beef and 5 minutes for turkey. Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cook turkey burgers until cooked throughout, about 5 minutes on the second side.
• Add the cheese, if using, to the tops of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and top with a basting cover, close the grill cover, or tent the burgers with aluminum foil to melt the cheese.
• Sandwich the hot burgers between the buns and serve immediately.

THE PERFECT BURGER

Steps:

• Evenly divide meat into 4 portions. With a light touch, gently form each one into a ball, then shape into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. With thumb, make a 1/4-inch-deep indentation in the center of each (this prevents burgers from getting rounded tops during grilling). Transfer to a plate; cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to 1 day.
• Heat grill to high (it should be difficult to hold your hand above the grates). Moisten a folded paper towel with vegetable oil; grasp with tongs, and quickly wipe over the grates.
• Generously season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Place patties on grill; cover, and cook to desired doneness, 2 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve burgers on buns with desired toppings.

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.

THE PERFECT BURGER RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients (except the buns) in large bowl. Mix thoroughly with hands. Be sure to wear disposable latex gloves or well-cleaned rubber gloves while mixing to protect against e.coli and other bacteria, and to prevent cross-contamination with the rest of your meal!
• Stove-top: Form mixture into 8 patties. Fry at medium-high heat, turning regularly, until juices are no longer bloody (a few minutes per side, more depending on the thickness of your patties.)
• BBQ: form mixture into 6 patties. Grill at medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or until patties are firm and no longer pink throughout.
• Add a burger to each bun, garnish as you like, and enjoy!

BEST CHEESEBURGERS

Steps:

• Put the meat and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and season with black pepper and 1 generous tsp salt. Mix together well, then shape the meat into 4 thin, flat burgers. Chill until needed. Can be made a day ahead. Combine the chipotle paste, ketchup and mayonnaise in a bowl to make a sauce.
• Heat a gas or charcoal barbecue to high (or you can use a griddle pan on the hob). Cook the burgers over direct heat for 2 mins each side or until grill marks appear. Top each with 2 slices of cheese and cook for another 30 secs or until melted, then remove from the heat. Toast the buns for a few seconds on the cut-side.
• Spread a little of the spicy sauce on the base of each bun and top with lettuce, tomato, a burger patty, onion and pickles. Top with the bun lid and devour immediately.