Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for a juicy burger)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
- Your choice of toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments like mustard or ketchup
For those who might fancy a twist, try substituting the cheddar with blue cheese for a tangy kick or adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Remember, cooking is all about personal touch, much like the unique notes in mum’s secret scone recipe.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers, which is a lesson I learned during an unfortunate meatball debacle in my teens.
- Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re reminiscing about those Devon afternoons, a cast-iron skillet lends a delightful crust that’s hard to beat.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in the oven. This step is crucial for that perfect texture contrast — something I always insist upon, much like my mum’s insistence on perfectly risen bread.
- Assemble your burgers by placing the patties on the bottom buns, and layer with your choice of toppings before placing the top bun.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International