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Basic Burger
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Grilling time:
Yield: 4 servings
11⁄2 pounds ground chuck | 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper |
1⁄4 teaspoon salt, or to taste | 4 hamburger buns |
1.Combine the ground chuck, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly, using your hands. Shape the mixture into four patties, each 3⁄4 inch thick in the center and at the edges. (Even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents the edges from drying out before the center is cooked.)
2.Place the patties on grill. Grill for 7 to 10 minutes per side, turning once. (According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, all ground meat should be cooked to at least medium
3.Toast the buns by placing them, split side down, on the edges of the grill grid for about 1 minute or until lightly browned.
4.Remove the burgers from the grill and serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Variation Section:
Italian Burger: Add the following ingredients to the ground meat mixture:
1 egg yolk, 1⁄4 cup grated onion, 1 large clove garlic minced, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried crushed basil, 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Place grated Parmesan cheese on top of each burger (if desired) about 2 minutes before the burger is done and grill until the cheese melts.
Mexican Burger: Add the following ingredients to the ground meat mixture:
1⁄4 cup finely chopped onion, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper, 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve on toasted buns or in warmed tortillas with a prepared tomato salsa or taco sauce, and slices of ripe avocado.
Asian Spiced Burger: Add the following ingredients to the ground meat mixture: 1⁄4 cup finely chopped scallions, 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, 1 large clove garlic, minced, and salt and pepper to taste.
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