The Ultimate Hamburger
This recipe guides you in crafting the ultimate hamburger, utilizing a blend of ground chuck and sirloin for maximum flavor and juiciness. Patties are seasoned, expertly grilled or pan-fried, and served on butter-toasted sandwich bread with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, thinly sliced onion, and an optional rich cheese sauce for a truly satisfying experience.
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Cast Iron Skillet For cooking patties and toasting bread
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining ground meats
- 1 Chef's knife For slicing vegetables
- 1 Cutting Board For food preparation
- 1 Spatula For flipping patties and bread
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/4 pounds ground chuck
- 1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin
- Coarse salt kosher or sea and freshly ground black pepper
- N/A freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 medium-size onion cut into 8 thin wedges
- 16 slices sandwich bread
- 3 tablespoons butter melted (optional)
- 1 large or 2 medium-size gorgeous luscious, ripe red tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 Boston lettuce leaves or iceberg lettuce slices
- Cheese Sauce optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chuck and sirloin; form eight 1/2-inch-thick patties, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Season both sides of each patty generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare the toppings: thinly slice the onion and ripe tomatoes, and wash the Boston or iceberg lettuce leaves, patting them dry.
- Heat a grill or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is thoroughly hot.
- Grill or pan-fry the seasoned patties for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to achieve your desired doneness, flipping only once.
- While the patties cook, melt the butter (if using) in a separate pan or microwave-safe bowl. Brush one side of each sandwich bread slice with the melted butter.
- Toast the buttered bread slices on the grill or in a clean skillet until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the burgers: place a toasted bread slice on a plate, then add a cooked patty, a few onion wedges, tomato slices, and a lettuce leaf.
- If using, spoon a generous amount of warm Cheese Sauce over the patty and toppings.
- Top with another toasted bread slice and serve the ultimate hamburgers immediately.
Notes
The blend of ground chuck and sirloin provides a balanced fat content for juicy, flavorful burgers. Avoid overworking the meat to maintain tenderness. Season patties generously just before cooking to prevent drying out, and aim for a good sear on a hot grill or cast iron skillet to develop a rich crust. For the onions, consider a quick pickle in vinegar with a pinch of sugar to brighten their flavor. Don't skip the butter for toasting the bread; it adds a delightful richness and crisp texture, elevating the overall mouthfeel. Always prioritize high-quality, ripe tomatoes for peak freshness and taste.