HAMBURGER PATTIES
4 servings
To form patties, please read About Ground Meat Patties.
I. GRILLED OR BROILED
Prepare a hot grill fire, or place a broiler pan on an oven rack set 3 to 4 inches below the heating element. Preheat the broiler.
Divide into 4 equal portions and form into ¾-inch-thick patties:
- 1 ¼ pounds ground beef chuck
Sprinkle with:
- Salt and black pepper
Grill or broil, flipping once, about 3 minutes on each side for rare, 4 minutes for medium, or 5 minutes for well-done. For a Cheeseburger, after flipping the patty, place on top:
- (Slices of American, Cheddar, Swiss, or other melty cheese)
Serve on buns with toppings of your choice (see About Burgers).
II. GRIDDLED OR SMASHED
Heat in a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Turn on an exhaust fan or open a window. Prepare the patties as in version I. When the oil just starts to smoke, add the patties to the skillet and cook, flipping once, to the desired degree of doneness. If desired, use a wide metal spatula to press down on the burgers and flatten them to about ½-inch thick; if smashing the burgers in this way, you will not need to cook them as long. Cook until a deep brown crust has formed, then flip and brown the second side (top with cheese, if desired). Serve on buns with toppings of your choice (see About Burgers).