Given the high fat content, burgers are notoriously difficult to grill. This article explains how to cook them quickly and easily in the pan while remaining in the comfort of your kitchen. Start by shaping the burgers, then cook them over high heat in a hot skillet until a tempting crust forms on both sides. All that remains is to toast the bread and customize the burgers to taste using your favorite ingredients.
Ingrediants
- 700 g of ground beef
- salt
- 4 hamburger buns
- Cheese (optional)
- Seasonings (optional)
Yield: 4 hamburger buns
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Shaping the Burgers
Step 1. Choose a quality minced meat consisting of 80% lean meat and 20% fat
A higher percentage of lean meat is not suitable for burgers, as the fat helps to transfer heat to the meat and helps it cook. If you want it leaner, you can use ground beef with a 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio, but don't go any further to ensure the burgers are cooked properly.
Don't buy ready-made burgers; go to the butcher and have the meat grinded on the spot for a high quality result
Step 2. Shape the burgers
Each should weigh around 175g. Use the scales to weigh them individually, otherwise adjust to the meat you have available.
For example, if you have 700 g of ground coffee, you can get about 4 servings
Step 3. Shape the burgers gently
The less you work them, the softer they will be. Form a meatball as quickly as possible, then immediately move on to the next burger. The simplest way is to form a ball and then gently flatten it.
The meat should not be processed, otherwise it will become tough. After forming the ball, flatten it gently without crushing it
Step 4. Create a dimple in the center of each burger
In cooking, burgers tend to bulge in the center. You can counteract this effect by creating a small depression in the middle with your thumb.
If you prefer that bulge instead, skip this step
Step 5. Cover the burgers and refrigerate them for 20 minutes
Cooling them will make them more compact and reduce the risk of them breaking during cooking. Also, you will make the meat cook more slowly.
Do not leave the burgers at room temperature, otherwise the bacteria will have a chance to proliferate
Part 2 of 3: Put the Burgers in the Pan
Step 1. Heat a cast iron skillet on the stove
Put it on the stove and heat it over a high flame. Wait until it is hot before adding the burgers. Sprinkle it with a few drops of water, if they sizzle and evaporate quickly it means that it is hot and you can start cooking.
By using a cast iron skillet you can be sure that an inviting crust forms on the surface of the burgers. Alternatively, you can use a grill or other pan
Step 2. Salt the burgers just before cooking
Salt will draw the juices of the meat to the surface if you put it too early. Spread the salt over the entire surface of the burgers a moment before placing them in the pan so that the meat does not waste its juices unnecessarily.
If you wish, you can also add ground pepper or use flavored salt
Step 3. Place the burgers in the hot pan
Gently arrange them one at a time. Be careful, the fat could splash and burn you. The meat should start to sizzle as soon as it comes into contact with the hot pan. An appetizing crust will immediately begin to form on the bottom of the burgers.
If you have a pan splash guard available, use it to protect your body and surfaces from hot fat
Part 3 of 3: Cooking the Burgers
Step 1. Flip the burgers after 2-4 minutes
Over high heat, the underside of the burgers should be cooked after a couple of minutes. When you turn them you should see that an inviting golden crust has formed on the bottom. Don't give up on the taste of the external crust even if you prefer to eat rare or medium-cooked burgers.
Use a spatula to turn the burgers. It is important that the spatula is thin so as not to risk breaking the coveted crust
Step 2. Cook the burgers for no more than 10 minutes
At that point they will certainly be well cooked. If you prefer them rare or medium, cook them for less time.
Check the temperature of the meat. Insert the tip of the thermometer horizontally into the burgers, until you reach the center. Ground beef is well done when it reaches 71 ° C. Experts recommend letting them reach this temperature so as not to take any health risks
Step 3. Re-pack the burgers if they are broken
Some pieces of meat may have fallen off during cooking. You can rejoin the burgers using the spatula and let them cook for a couple of minutes. That way they should come together.
It may be useful to add some cheese at the end; this can serve to hold the meat together
Step 4. Add the cheese during the last minute of cooking
If you want to turn your burger into a cheeseburger, place the cheese slices on the meat when it's almost done. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat and melt the cheese.
- You can choose between different varieties of cheese; in general, all those that melt are great for burgers.
- It may be helpful to add some water to the pan. It will immediately turn into steam and build up under the lid causing the temperature to rise.
Step 5. Remove the burgers from the pan and serve them into buns
Use the same thin spatula that was used to turn them to avoid breaking them. Place them on a plate or lay them directly on toasted burger bread. Add your favorite toppings and extra ingredients before biting into your creation.
- The sauce is an element that cannot be missing in a hamburger; you can use for example mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce.
- The list of possible extra ingredients includes onions (raw or grilled), lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon and avocado.
