The Ultimate Hamburger

Ingredients for The Ultimate Hamburger

• 575g ground chuck

• 575g ground sirloin

• Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper

• N/A freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 medium-size onion, cut into 8 thin wedges

• 16 slices sandwich bread

• 45ml butter, melted (optional)

• 1 large or 2 medium-size gorgeous, luscious, ripe red tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 8 Boston lettuce leaves or iceberg lettuce slices

• Cheese Sauce (optional)

How to make The Ultimate Hamburger

1. Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.

2. Place the chuck and sirloin in a large mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon, or mix the meat in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. If possible, avoid mixing the meat with your hands so your fingers don't warm it.

3. Wet your hands with cold water and divide the meat into 8 equal portions. Working quickly and with a light touch, pat each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick squarish patty. Generously season each patty on both sides with salt and pepper. Press an onion wedge into one side of each patty so that it's flush with the meat.

4. Lightly brush the bread slices with the butter, if using. Arrange the tomatoes and lettuce leaves on an attractive serving platter.

5. When ready to cook, brush and oil the grill grate. Place the burgers on the hot grate, onion side down. Grill the burgers until cooked to taste, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. To test for doneness, insert an instant-read meat thermometer through the side of a burger into the centre. The internal temperature should be about 63°C for medium-rare or, if using commercial beef mince, cook it to at least medium, 71°C.

6. Meanwhile, place the bread slices on the hot grate and grill until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

7. To serve, place a lettuce leaf on top of a slice of toast. Top with a burger, tomato slice, and Cheese Sauce , if using. Slap a piece of toast on top and serve at once.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.