The Perfect Basic Burger (Print version)
A reliable basic burger made with ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, grilled until juicy and ready for your favorite toppings.
# Ingredients:
For the burger patties
01 -
1 large egg
02 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 -
1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
05 -
1/2 cup (45 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
For serving
06 -
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
07 -
4 lettuce leaves
08 -
1 large tomato, sliced
09 -
1/2 small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
10 -
Dill pickle slices, as desired
11 -
Ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, as desired
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat. Brush the grate clean and oil it lightly so the patties do not stick.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 -
Add the ground beef and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands or a fork just until evenly combined. Do not knead the mixture.
04 -
Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape each into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty.
05 -
Place patties on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
06 -
Rest the burgers for 3 minutes. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.
# Good to know:
01 -
Do not press the patties with a spatula while cooking.
02 -
For cheeseburgers, add cheese during the final minute on the grill.
03 -
Cook ground beef burgers to 160°F for food safety.