This is a simple and delicious recipe for making hamburger patties. The key to a great burger is to use high-quality ground beef and to cook the patties properly. The recipe is adapted from the Joy of Cooking (2019) and is a great starting point for making your own burgers at home.
Source: Joy of Cooking (2019), p. 504
Serves 4
Ingredients
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1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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Sprinkle of salt
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Sprinkle of pepper
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4 slices American cheese
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4 hamburger buns, toasted
Directions
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Form the ground beef into 4 balls (about 5 ounces each).
- Use your hands to gently shape the beef into balls, being careful not to overwork the meat.
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Form the ground beef into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help the patties cook evenly and prevent them from puffing up.
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Sprinkle both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
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Turn on exhaust fan and heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the vegetable oil and heat until it starts to smoke.
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Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until it has a deep brown crust.
- Do not press down on the patties while they are cooking, as this will release the juices and make them dry.
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Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until they have a deep brown crust and are cooked to your desired doneness.
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Remove from pan and place on plate with paper towels to drain.
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If using American cheese, drain the patties on paper towels and place a slice of cheese on each patty.
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Serve the patties on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade hamburgers!
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Storage: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.