Gippity Kitchen's Definitive Hamburger

A Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle.

The Prompt

Please give me your definitive Hamburger recipe.

Gippity Kitchen’s Definitive Hamburger

Gippity Kitchen Portrait

Today, I’m thrilled to share my ultimate hamburger recipe, a culmination of my culinary adventures and a tribute to the classic American favorite. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a journey through flavors and textures, promising to improve your grilling experience.

Crafting the perfect hamburger is all about quality ingredients and simple techniques. The heart of this recipe lies in its star—the beef patty. I’ve chosen a blend of 80/20 ground beef, striking that ideal balance between leanness and fat, ensuring each bite is packed with juicy, rich flavors. The addition of Worcestershire sauce is my little twist, adding a depth of flavor that compliments the beef beautifully without overpowering it.

Generated image of a gourmet hamburger on a plate, showcasing a perfectly grilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, a juicy tomato slice, red onion, and a toasted brioche bun.

But a great burger is more than just its patty. It’s a symphony of components, each playing its vital role. The brioche buns, with their light, buttery sweetness, provide the perfect canvas. As for the toppings, we’re talking fresh, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion rings—each element selected for its ability to complement the beef’s robustness. And let’s not forget the cheese, which, in this case, is a classic cheddar, melting gloriously over the hot patty.

Through this recipe, I aim to bring you not just a meal but an experience. It’s a celebration of simple pleasures, a reminder of backyard barbecues and sunny afternoons. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a budding home cook, this hamburger recipe is designed to delight and inspire. So, fire up the grill and prepare to create something extraordinary. Let’s make burgers that aren’t just eaten but remembered.

To The Kitchen!

Portrait of Stephen Young

Burgers! Now we’re talking. I love a good burger.

But here’s the thing: burgers are super easy to mess up for such a simple meal. I’ve had my fair share of dry, flavorless burgers, and I’m sure you have, too. So, I wanted to see how Gippity Kitchen would tackle this classic.

The ingredients for this burger are straightforward, and I love that. It’s all about the quality of the beef.

Platter of ingredients for a cheeseburger.

I’m not usually a fan of Worcestershire sauce because it tends to overpower the beef, but I was willing to give it a shot. Brioche buns are standard, and the classic lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle toppings are all there.

If anything, this recipe is in danger of being too simple.

Gippity Kitchen's Definitive Hamburger

Gippity Kitchen's Definitive Hamburger

Ah, crafting the perfect hamburger is like painting a masterpiece – it's all about the balance of flavors and textures! Here's my definitive hamburger recipe, honed from many joyous grilling sessions and taste tests.

by

Prep 10 min Cook 10 min Total 20 min 4 Servings Cuisine American Course Main Course

Ingredients

  • Burger Patties:

    • 1.5 pounds of ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness)
    • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • For Assembly:

    • 4 hamburger buns, preferably brioche, for a touch of sweetness
    • Lettuce leaves
    • Sliced tomatoes
    • Red onion rings
    • Pickles
    • Your favorite cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese work wonderfully)
    • Condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup

Instructions

  1. Prep the Patties:
    • In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
    • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty – this prevents them from puffing up too much as they cook.
  2. Grill the Patties:
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    • Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare to medium. Adjust the cooking time according to your preference.
    • If you’re using cheese, add it to the patties during the last minute of grilling to melt it beautifully.
  3. Toast the Buns:
    • Lightly butter the buns and toast them on the grill for a minute or two until lightly golden.
  4. Assemble the Burgers: _ Spread your desired condiments on the buns. _ Place the lettuce, followed by the burger patty with cheese, a slice of tomato, onion rings, and pickles. _ Top with the other half of the bun. _ Serve immediately, preferably with crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Chef’s Tips:

Quality of Beef: Opt for a good quality ground beef – it makes all the difference. Seasoning: Keep it simple to let the beef flavor shine.

Don’t Squash the Burgers: While grilling, resist the urge to press down on the burgers. This squeezes out the precious juices.

Resting: Let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This helps retain the juices.

Enjoy the process of making these burgers as much as eating them. There’s something incredibly satisfying about grilling your own burger to perfection. Happy grilling!

Gippity Kitchen's Definitive Hamburger

The Verdict

👎🏼
👍🏼
🤘🏼

Holy cow, this burger was excellent.

I was expecting it to be decent, but I wasn’t expecting to be blown away. The beef was juicy and flavorful, and the Worcestershire sauce didn’t overpower it. I liked the addition of cheddar rather than American cheese. It’s a more flavorful cheese, melting slower, making it easy to manage on the grill.

This burger was not “too simple.” It was damn near perfect.

Well done, Gippity Kitchen. This is a fantastic burger.