Hamburger
A seasoned ground beef patty, griddled until crusty and tucked into a soft bun with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato and pickles. It is the everyday sandwich of backyard cookouts and diners.
RedDot Burger: Hongreddotbrewhouse, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
The ground-beef sandwich took shape in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, borrowing its name from the German port city of Hamburg. Roadside stands and diners made it a national staple, and it has since spread worldwide in countless forms.
Explore the cuisine of United States.
Make Hamburger at home
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb (700 g) ground beef, 80/20
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Dill pickle slices
- Ketchup and mustard to serve
How it's made
- Divide the beef into four balls without overworking it, then press each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the bun.
- Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty so it stays flat as it cooks.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill until very hot. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Cook 3 to 4 minutes without pressing, flip, and cook 3 more minutes for medium-well (160 F / 71 C inside).
- Lay the cheese on top during the last minute and cover the pan so it melts.
- Toast the buns cut-side down in butter for 1 minute.
- Assemble with lettuce, tomato, pickles and sauces, and rest the patty for 2 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Smash burger: thin patties pressed hard on a hot griddle for lacy crisp edges.
- Mushroom Swiss: topped with sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
- Veggie burger: black bean or lentil patty in place of beef.
Cook’s tip: Keep the meat cold until the moment it hits the pan and handle it as little as possible for a tender patty.
Related dishes
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
- RedDot Burger: Hongreddotbrewhouse, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)