Classic Hambuger (USA)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Hamburgers are one of the most iconic American foods, but their origins trace back to Europe. The concept was inspired by the city of Hamburg, Germany, where minced beef was a popular dish. German immigrants introduced the “Hamburg-style steak” to the United States in the late 19th century. It wasn’t until someone placed this seasoned ground beef patty between two pieces of bread that the modern hamburger was born.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional, for cheeseburgers)

• 4 burger buns (toasted, if desired)

  
  

Toppings (optional)

• Lettuce leaves

• Tomato slices

• Pickles

• Onion slices (raw or caramelized)

• Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or other preferred sauces

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat

• In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, being careful not to overwork the meat (which can make the burgers tough).

• Divide the meat into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, about ¾ inch thick, with a slight indentation in the center (this helps the patty cook evenly and stay flat).

  
  

Cook the Patties

• Grilling Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, if needed, to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, adjusting based on thickness and desired doneness.

  
  

Add Cheese (Optional)

• If you’re making cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid until the cheese melts.

  
  

Assemble the Burgers

• Place the cooked patties on the bottom half of each bun. Add your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions. Finish with your favorite condiments and place the top bun on each burger.

  
  

Serve

• Serve your burgers immediately with a side of fries, salad, or chips.

  
  

Tips

• Choose good beef: Ground beef with 20% fat content is ideal for juicy burgers.

• Don’t press down on the patties while cooking, as this squeezes out the juices.

• Let the burgers rest briefly after cooking to retain the juiciness.e this recipe with different nuts, seeds, or fruits based on your preferences.