Epic Burger Recipes

Burger Basics

Craft a perfect burger with these fundamental tips:

• Handle with Care: Work the meat as little as possible to keep burgers tender, not tough
• The Dimple Trick: Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent the “burger dome” effect
• Temperature Matters: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety
• Flip Just Once: For the best crust, resist the urge to flip repeatedly
• Patience Pays Off: Allow burgers to rest 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices
• Season at the Right Time: Salt the outside of formed patties just before cooking, not mixed into the meat
• Room Temperature Start: Take meat out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking for even results

Different cooking methods require different techniques—grilling creates char-marked perfection while smashing onto a hot griddle creates crispy, lacy edges with a juicy center. Experiment with both to discover your favorite style!

Meat Selection & Prep Guide

The foundation of an unforgettable burger starts with the meat:

• Fat Content Matters: 80/20 ground beef offers the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness
• Custom Blends: Try these combinations for gourmet burgers:
  • Brisket + chuck for rich, beefy flavor
  • Short rib + sirloin for luxurious texture
  • Adding 15-20% ground bacon for smoky indulgence
• Freshness Counts: Use freshly ground meat whenever possible
• Experiment with Other Proteins:
  • Ground turkey (add a butter – yes – butter for moisture)
  • Lamb for Mediterranean-inspired burgers
  • Pork for sweeter, more delicate flavors
• Forming Technique: Form patties slightly larger than your bun—they’ll shrink during cooking
• Thickness Guide: Aim for ¾-inch thick for standard burgers, ½-inch for smash burgers
• The Cold Center Method: For medium-rare thicker burgers, start with slightly frozen centers

Quality ingredients produce quality results—this is especially true with burgers where the meat is the star.

A note on burger temperatures: Food safety is our priority. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for full food safety. Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check your burgers! For those who prefer medium or medium-rare burgers, consider grinding your own meat from whole cuts for improved safety, or sourcing from trusted butchers who follow strict handling protocols.quipment to make great burgers. The most important tools are proper technique and attention to detail.

Equipment & Tools for Better Burgers

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a ton of fancy tools for burgers, but here are a few that certainly make the job easier.

• Instant-Read Thermometer: The most important tool for ensuring perfectly cooked burgers every time
• Heavy-Duty Spatula: Wide, sturdy spatulas with beveled edges slide easily under patties
• Cast Iron Cookware: Whether a skillet or griddle, cast iron’s heat retention creates the perfect sear
• Burger Press: For consistent patty size and thickness (optional but rather handy)
• Smash Tool: A solid, heavy press creates the perfect smashed burger (a spatula and weight-or foil covered brick- work too)
• Grill Grates: Clean, well-oiled grates prevent sticking and create beautiful marks
• Quality Tongs: For handling burgers safely on the grill
• Sturdy Bun Toaster: Never underestimate the importance of a properly toasted bun!

Remember that you don’t need fancy equipment to make great burgers. The most important tools are proper technique and attention to detail.