With so many good recipes for burgers we sometimes ignore the basics. Having the best basic ingredients can make a huge difference in the overall finished product.
Start the process of making your perfect burger by acquiring the freshest, free-range, grass-fed beef you can find. Organically raised, grass-fed beef generally has a “beefier” flavor and not only tastes better, is a lot healthier than the alternative.
Choice of bun can also make a difference in flavor and overall taste. A potato-based bun or roll has the best texture and flavor if your going for a traditional (USA) burger experience. Alternatively, for those people who like more of a “crunch” or chewy texture you can’t beat a slightly grilled Ciabata roll. Ciabata rolls are not only excellent for burgers they are very versatile and translate well to other grilled meats you might be serving like Tuna Steaks, Salmon, Turkey Burgers, or pulled Pork.
Ideas for toppings are incredibly varied. As everyone knows, a traditional burger has lettuce, tomato, onion, a slice of American cheese, ketchup, mayo and mustard. But, most people today are introducing new more flavorful toppings to their burger. Some favorites are avocado, grilled pineapple, Brie cheese and Tasso Ham. When it comes to toppings the sky’s the limit!
AWESOME BASIC BURGER!
Here is a great-tasting, traditional recipe for those who want to stick with the basics!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground round (90/10) (Free range/organic)
- 1 lb ground chuck (80/20) (Free range/organic)
- 1 vidalia onion (minced very fine)
- 2 TBS of garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 TBS of ketchup
- 1 TBS of spicy brown mustard
- salt and pepper (to taste)
1. Mix all ingredients together (except the SALT), making sure to not mix the meat too much. (Mixing burgers too much can make them dense.) Form into patties, 2 ½ “ – 3” thick and about 4 ½ – 5” in diameter.
2. Pre-heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium high heat (375-degrees). Make sure your grill grates are clean. Sprinkle burger patties with salt (to taste). Place burgers on grill, shut the grill lid and cook for 5 minutes without lifting the lid. After 5 minutes, flip burger and grill another 5-6 minutes, (for medium/rare).
3. Serve grilled burger on a potato-based hamburger bun, with leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, American cheese, red onion, and a dill pickle.
THE INCREDIBLE BURGER!
For the adventurous, here is a great non-traditional recipe that is sure to add extra flavor to your grilling parties.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground round (90/10) (Free Range/Organic)
- ¼ lb ground pork (Free Range/Organic)
- ¼ lb ground lamb (Free Range/Organic)
- 1 vidalia onion (minced very fine)
- 2 TBS of fresh oregano (minced)
- ¼ cup of fresh garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp of ground cumin
- 1 TBS of fresh rosemary (minced)
- 1 TBS of pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
1. Mix all ingredients together (except the SALT), making sure to not mix the meat too much. Form into patties, 2 ½ “ – 3” thick and about 4 ½ – 5” in diameter. These also make GREAT SLIDERS! Make the patties smaller, and decrease grilling time to accommodate the smaller size.
2. Pre-heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium high heat (375-degrees). Make sure your grill grates are clean. Sprinkle burger patties with salt (to taste). Place burgers on grill , shut the grill lid and cook for 6-7 minutes without lifting the lid. After 7 minutes, flip burger and grill another 6-7 minutes.
3. Serve grilled burger on a thickly sliced Ciabata roll with leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced Gouda cheese, red onion, and a dollop of sour cream.