A perfectly cooked homemade burger is the eternal Jolly-Joker that you can always bring to the table. Whether it’s for a barbecue, a get-together with friends or a family dinner, it’s always a winner, whatever the occasion.
With this handy guide, you’ll learn how to create a burger at home that rivals any restaurant’s offerings. Read on for a guaranteed succulent, tasty burger result you can be proud of!
1. The heart of the burger is the quality of the ingredients
One of, if not the most important step in making burgers at home is choosing the ingredients. The ideal hamburger patty contains about 80% meat and 20% fat.
Why is this important? To retain juiciness after cooking and to ensure that the result is not dry. Beef should be freshly ground. Alternatively, pre-packed beef from the store may be suitable, but it’s worth choosing the higher fat content.
Bread rolls should not be neglected either! You’ll need a light yet strong bun that will hold the meat and toppings without getting soggy. If you have the option, choose homemade or artisan burger buns, or even make your own! A lightly toasted version can bring out the flavour of the burger even more.
2. The secrets of making the meat patty
The soul of the burger is the patty. But for perfect results, the meat must be properly formed and baked. Aim for a thickness of about 1.5-2 cm. It’s essential not to flatten the patties too much. Thicker versions will be juicier and tastier.
When it comes to spices, keeping it simple will be great. Salt, pepper, maybe a little garlic. Don’t overprocess the meat as it will lose its laxity. After forming, it’s a good idea to press a small indentation in the centre so that it cooks evenly through and doesn’t bump up during baking.
Is it better to grill or pan-fry the meat? Both can be a good choice. If you have the option, try grilling, as the smoky flavour adds extra zing to the burger. The patties should be grilled over a high heat to create a crispy crust on the outside and keep the inside juicy. After frying, rest the meat for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Should the bread rolls be toasted or baked?
The hamburger bun is not just a tool to hold the burger together. It plays a key role in the food experience. When baking a homemade bread bun, make sure it’s light but strong enough. You can also toast store-bought buns to make them crispier and hold toppings better.
Bonus tip: For extra crispiness, brush the inside of the bun with a little butter or olive oil and toast it for a few minutes in the pan or on the grill.
4. Toppings and sauces, the unmissable must-haves for burger flavouring
A burger should not be based on meat alone. Without toppings and sauces, there’s no perfect harmony of flavour. Classic toppings such as cheese, tomato, lettuce and onion are always a winning choice.
As for cheeses, cheddar or gouda are recommended because they melt beautifully and give the burger a rich flavour. You can also get creative with toppings:
- try fried onions, for example,
- avocado, jalapeños
- or even caramelized mushrooms.
Sauces also play a big part in the flavour of a burger: make your own BBQ sauce or garlic mayonnaise to spice up the usual flavours. A little mustard or homemade ketchup can also work wonders!
5. Serving tips for a restaurant-style experience at home
A phenomenal burger needs a delicious side dish. French fries are a classic choice. Which can be made traditionally or with sweet potatoes. The latter is a healthier and more special alternative.
If you want something lighter, fresh salads are a great choice, even with a yoghurt dressing.
When serving, make sure the look of the dish enhances the experience. With an elegant presentation, crispy fries and a fresh, lush salad, you can really evoke the restaurant atmosphere.
Conclusion
Although a home-cooked burger is always a special experience, if you’re looking for something really special, Oinos’ burger menu is guaranteed to impress. Try it the next time you visit us and let yourself be swept away by the experience of a real, restaurant-quality burger!
Making burgers at home? Yes! Now you know how to create a delicious, juicy and tasty burger that everyone will love! Enjoy your meal! 🍔
