As you can probably tell, I like to enjoy a good burger from time to time.  Over the years, I have gotten pretty good at making them, or at least I think I have. Everybody always asks me how I make them, and what recipe I use so I thought it would be a good idea to give you my tips on how to make an amazing burger every time.  Follow these tips to learn how to make the best homemade burgers.

5 tips for the best homemade Burgers 

1. Keep it Simple 

As with many things, simplicity is key.  This is especially true when it comes to burgers.  A lot of people mess burgers up by adding things to the meat.  I’ve seen people add breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, you name it.  But the truth is, all you need is the meat. Anything else is going to mess it up.  It’s true that an egg will help bind a burger and hold the meat together, but you don’t want your burger to be tight and packed.  A good burger should easily crumble when you bite into it.

2. Buy Good Meat 

Easy enough right?  When possible, always use freshly ground meat for your burgers.  You don’t need to own a meat grinder, just ask your butcher to grind it for you.  When it comes to meat, there are several options you can choose from.  I think the big 3 are chuck, short rib, and brisket.  My personal preference is to use 100% chuck but its totally acceptable to switch it up and combine them.  Adding short rib to the mix is great if you want to add a richness and savoury flavour to the burger.  It would work great for a korean-bbq themed one.

3. Be Gentle

I often see that when people make homemade burgers, they use ring molds and really pack the meat in.  This is a big mistake and will result in a tough burger.  What you want to do instead is gently form the burgers with your hands.  First, divide the meat up and form it into balls.  Then gently press down with your hands to form the patties.  It’s ok if they are not perfectly round.  You do need to handle them with care when cooking, since there is nothing holding the meat together, they can fall apart if you aren’t careful.

4. Choose Toppings Carefully 

There is no guide to choosing the right toppings; it comes down to personal preference.  But one thing I will say is that you don’t want to put on too many toppings.  I usually like to stick to the classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and pickle.  Onion is also a good option and jalapeño is nice if you’re craving something spicy.  Whatever you choose, just remember that the meat is the star of the show and you don’t want to get too off track.

5. Don’t Overcook It

You’ve put all the work in to create the perfect burger, now all that’s left to do is cook it properly.  Whether your cooking on the grill or cast iron, a dry overcooked burger is never fun.  After all, one of the most important parts of the burgers is its juiciness, an overcooked burger will definitely kill that.  I usually like to make my burgers pretty thin and as a result, I only cook them for 1 and half minutes per side.  This gives me a perfect pink interior.  If you prefer a thicker burger, adjust the cooking time as necessary.

For a more detailed burger recipe, check out my take out style burgers