Restaurant-Style Gourmet Beef Burger Recipe

Restaurant-Style Gourmet Beef Burger Recipe

Yields: 4 burgers Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the burger patties:

  • 700g premium ground beef (preferably a blend of chuck and brisket for richness and flavour)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• For assembly

  • 4 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
  • Lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • Tomato slices
  • Red onion slices, thinly sliced
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Your favourite burger sauce or condiments

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen scale
• Burger press (optional)
• Large skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Prepare the patties:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
   • Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough burgers.
   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, slightly larger than the burger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking
   • If using a burger press, lightly oil it before pressing the patties to prevent sticking
   • Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help the patties cook evenly and prevent them from bulging in the middle.

2. Cook the patties:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat
   • Carefully place the patties in the pan, leaving some space between them.
   • Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 71°C for food safety
   • During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.

3. Assemble the burgers:

   • Lightly toast the brioche buns
   • Spread your favourite burger sauce or condiments on the bottom bun.
   • Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a tomato slice, red onion slices, and pickles.
   • Add the cooked patty with melted cheese on top.
   • Finish with the top bun.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the burgers immediately with your choice of sides, such as fries, onion rings, or a salad.

Chef's Tips:

• Use high-quality beef: The quality of the beef will significantly impact the flavour of your burgers. Choose a blend with a good fat content (around 20%) for juicy and flavourful patties.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing the beef mixture can lead to tough burgers. Mix the ingredients just until combined
• Make an indentation: Creating a slight indentation in the center of each patty will help them cook evenly and prevent them from bulging in the middle
• Let the patties rest: After cooking, allow the patties to rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This will help them retain their juices and prevent them from falling apart
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature burger

Optional Enhancements

• Caramelized onions: Add a layer of caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Bacon: Top the burgers with crispy bacon for an extra layer of richness and texture
• Fried egg: Add a fried egg for a decadent and satisfying burger
• Homemade burger sauce: Create your own signature burger sauce using a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and spices.

This gourmet beef burger recipe is perfect for any restaurant menu. The combination of high-quality beef, flavorful seasonings and delicious toppings will create a burger that your customers/friends will rave about!