Perfect Burger
This recipe guides you through making a classic, juicy burger, offering versatile cooking methods from grilling to pan-searing. It emphasizes proper patty formation and high heat for a perfect crust, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Heavy-Bottomed Pan Gas grill, charcoal grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet/griddle
- 1 Tongs or Spatula For handling and flipping burgers
- 1 Basting Cover or Aluminum Foil For melting cheese efficiently
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck 80 percent lean or ground turkey (90 percent lean)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- 4 slices cheese optional
- 4 hamburger buns split; toasted, if desired
Instructions
- Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
- IF USING A GRILL: Heat a gas grill to high or heat coals in a charcoal grill until they glow bright orange and ash over. Brush the burgers with the oil. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes for beef and 5 minutes for turkey. Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese; see step 3) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cook turkey burgers until cooked throughout, about 5 minutes on the second side.
- IF USING A GRILL PAN: Heat a grill pan over high heat on top of the stove. Cook the burgers as for a grill, above.
- IF USING A SAUTE PAN OR GRIDDLE (PREFERABLY CAST IRON): Heat the oil in the pan or griddle over high heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Cook the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes for beef and 5 minutes for turkey. Flip over the burgers. Cook beef burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the second side, 4 minutes for medium rare (3 minutes if topping with cheese) or until cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cook turkey burgers until cooked throughout, about 5 minutes on the second side.
- Add the cheese, if using, to the tops of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and top with a basting cover, close the grill cover, or tent the burgers with aluminum foil to melt the cheese.
- Sandwich the hot burgers between the buns and serve immediately.
Notes
Achieving a 'perfect' burger lies in the details. The thumb depression is crucial: it prevents the burger from bulging in the center, ensuring even cooking and a flatter patty. Always preheat your cooking surface to high heat; this creates a beautiful, charred crust, locking in juices. Don't overcrowd the pan or grill, as this lowers the temperature and steams the meat instead of searing it. For optimal flavor, season generously just before cooking. Consider toasting the buns on the same cooking surface for added texture and warmth. For the cheese, ensure it melts completely by covering the burgers during the last minute of cooking.