How to Make a Perfect Burger. Pre-formed frozen hamburger patties are handy for a large crowd; but, they will never make a perfect burger.
Here are my tips on how to make a perfect burger.
How to Make a Perfect Burger
Makes six burgers.
- 1 recipe Hamburger Buns
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 pound bacon
- 3 pounds 80% lean / 20% fat ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (high-quality so it’s not too spicy or bitter)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper Beecher’s Flagship White Cheddar Cheese
- 1 recipe Garlic Aioli
- 1 head bibb or green leaf lettuce
- 1 large tomato, thin sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thin sliced (optional)
Preparing the Bacon
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 1 pound thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon
Cover a large baking sheet with edges with foil. Place bacon strips in a single layer upon it. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on how thick it is and how crispy you like your bacon.
Preparing the Beef Patties
Mix beef with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper just until everything is incorporated; but, don’t overwork the beef or it will become tough.
Divide the beef into six balls and push each one down until they’re about 3/4-inch thick. Push a divot into the center of each one. This will help the burger cook more evenly and not become puffy in the middle.
Butter the insides of your hamburger buns and place butter sides down in the pan to toast. Remove when they are a toasty light golden brown. If you rather, you can place the buttered buns on a sheet pan with the insides facing up and broil until light golden brown. Either way, watch closely because they toast quickly.
Place burgers into the hot pan. The sizzle will confirm you have preheated your pan enough. Good job!
Cook for 3-4 minutes. The bottoms should have a nice brown sear. Then flip.
As you cook the second side, place a meat thermometer through the side of a burger into the middle.
When burgers reach 130°F, place your preferred cheese on top (we like sharp white cheddar).
Cover with a lid right away.
Remove pan with lid from the burner when the burgers reach 140°F.
Let burgers rest. This will help the burgers to finish cooking and allow the cheese to melt.
Spread the inside of each bun with Garlic Aioli. Top with one of the cheeseburgers, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, and add the top bun.
Eat one bunch of kale.
Eat one bunch of kale.
Got buns, hun? Make your own hamburger buns from scratch.