After a year of quarantine, many have gone a bit stir-crazy and are looking forward to increased vaccine access and the arrival of warmer weather. Summer is the perfect time to grill the perfect burger, and you can use the spring to perfect your craft. If you are getting ready to fire up the grill and invite your friends for a barbecue, proper planning and execution are important. The perfect burger does not just happen – it is the result of painstaking preparation. Here are some tips you can use to create a burger that will have everyone at the party asking for seconds.
Fresh is Best – A pack of frozen hamburgers will do in a pinch, but if you have time to plan fresh is always best. Pack your cooler with ice, stop at your favorite meat market and ask for fresh ground burger.
A Little Fat is Fine – While we all want to eat better, a little extra fat is good for grilling burgers. The additional fat will provide a juicier burger, while leaner cuts tend to dry out on the grill.
Let Your Thumb Do the Work – When crafting those delicious burgers, use your thumb (USE PLASTIC GLOVES!) to place an indent in the center of each patty. That indent will help the burger cook more evenly and allow it to get done in the center without burning along the edges or on the sides.
Experiment with Different Cheeses – Swiss and cheddar are fine, but you do not have to settle for the same old thing. Provide your guests with something different this year, with an assortment of provolone, pepper jack, blue cheese and even brie.
Keep a close eye on the grill – The high heat gas and charcoal grills emit mean food can burn in an instant. Pay close attention to your grilling duties – and never leave the grill unattended.
Set Out a Bun Bar – The serving table at most backyard barbecues starts with a back of store-bought hamburger buns. You can do better than that. Set out a bun bar with sourdough bread, Texas toast, pita bread, pretzel buns and other options. Pick up your favorites at the grocery store, or invite each of your guests to bring their favorites.
Provide Unusual Condiments — You will want to provide plenty of mustard, ketchup and relish for your guests, but do not be afraid to set out some more unusual choices. From barbecue sauce and mayonnaise to steak sauce and horseradish, there are plenty of ways to top off the perfect burger.
There is an art to grilling, and artistry to creating the perfect burger. Whether you are grilling in your own backyard or manning the grill at a friend’s barbecue, the tips listed above can help you craft the perfect burger and keep the guests coming back for more.
Story Credit: [email protected]
Photo Credit: Freepik.com
