Introduction
Who doesn’t love a classic hamburger? It’s a true American staple, loved by people of all ages. Nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into a juicy patty, with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and a soft bun. And the best part? You can easily make it at home with this simple recipe. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make the perfect classic hamburger that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
For 4 portions, you’ll need:
- 500g ground beef
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 onion
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burger from puffing up while cooking.
- Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and let it melt.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are lightly browned.
- Slice the onion into thin rings.
- To assemble the burgers, spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of ketchup on the bottom half of each burger bun.
- Add a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and a few onion rings on top of the sauce.
- Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on top, and cover with the other half of the burger bun.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Vegetarian/Vegan variation
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy a delicious burger with this variation:
- Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
- Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
- Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or hummus.
- Use a vegan burger bun or wrap the patty with lettuce leaves.
Gluten-free variation
If you’re gluten-free, you can make a few adjustments to this recipe:
- Use gluten-free burger buns or wrap the patty with lettuce leaves.
- Make sure the condiments you use are gluten-free, or make your own from scratch.
- Double-check that the cheese you use is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This classic hamburger recipe is easy and delicious, and it’s perfect for any occasion. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, such as bacon, avocado, or pickles. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. With this recipe, you’ll never have to go to a fast-food restaurant to satisfy your burger cravings again.
FAQ
How to shape the perfect burger patty?
To shape the perfect burger patty, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) and form the patties with a gentle touch, without overworking the meat. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than the burger buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
How to cook the perfect burger patty?
To cook the perfect burger patty, heat a skillet or grill over high heat and add the patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium, and 5-6 minutes per side for well-done. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this will release the juices and make the burger dry.
How to add cheese to the burger?
To add cheese to the burger, place a slice of cheese on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet or grill with a lid to melt the cheese.
What kind of cheese is best for a burger?
The best cheese for a burger is a cheese that melts well, such as American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. You can also try blue cheese, feta, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
How to toast the burger buns?
To toast the burger buns, slice them in half and place them cut-side down on the grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
How to assemble the burger?
To assemble the burger, place the bottom bun on a plate, add a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and a few pickle slices. Place the cooked patty on top of the vegetables, add your choice of sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.), and place the top bun on top of the sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat for the patty?
Yes, you can use a different type of meat for the patty, such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may differ.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent oxidation.
How to store leftover burgers?
To store leftover burgers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
What are some toppings that go well with a burger?
Some toppings that go well with a burger are sautéed onions, mushrooms, bacon, avocado, jalapeños, or a fried egg. You can also try different sauces, such as BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
