Hamburgers are one of the most popular foods at barbecues and cookout is complete without them. While they’re super easy to make, they’re often dry, overcooked, or flavorless. A delicious hamburger starts with a great patty and here’s how to make the best patties. Don’t forget to use these tips for your Memorial Day barbecue!
Meat Mix
The key to a great hamburger is having 85% lean ground beef. This is tastier than leaner meats because the fat leaves behind moisture and flavor. If you use extra-lean beef, your burgers will be drier.
Good Beef
Make sure you meat is fresh. You should use bright pink ground beef without any dark spots or unpleasant odors.
Don’t Overwork It
When mixing the ground beef with seasonings or add-ins, don’t overwork the mixture. If you overwork the raw meat, the burgers will be tough.
Even Patties
For even patties, pat all your meat into one large square and then cut it into fours. After you’re done, roll each square into a ball.
Add a Dimple
Pat the balls into a circle about 3/4 inch thick and then use your fingers to press into the center of each patty to make a shallow indentation. This dimple prevents the burgers from shrinking and it helps them cook evenly.
