The Perfect Burger

Aug 28, 2011

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Servings
Serves 4
Prep time
20 minutes
Total time
20 minutes
Course
Entree

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef chuck (80 percent lean)
  • Vegetable oil for grates
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns split and lightly grilled or toasted
  • Lettuce tomato, or other toppings, as desired

Instructions

  1. Evenly divide meat into 4 portions. With a light touch, gently form each one into a ball, then shape into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. With thumb, make a 1/4-inch-deep indentation in the center of each (this prevents burgers from getting rounded tops during grilling). Transfer to a plate; cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to 1 day.
  2. Heat grill to high (it should be difficult to hold your hand above the grates). Moisten a folded paper towel with vegetable oil; grasp with tongs, and quickly wipe over the grates. Generously season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Place patties on grill; cover, and cook to desired doneness, 2 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve burgers on buns with desired toppings.

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