Top Tips for Beginner Cooks Making Burgers
Burgers are one of the most versatile and satisfying meals you can make at home. Whether you're cooking for a flat, a family meal or hosting a backyard BBQ, making your own burgers can be fun and is always well received by everyone who's devouring them. But if you're a beginner cook, it can be a little tricky to get the right texture, flavour, and juiciness. Don’t worry! With a few simple tips, you can create mouthwatering burgers that will impress everyone at the table.
Here are some top tips for beginner cooks making burgers:
1. Don’t Overwork the Pork
When forming your patties, it’s tempting to really work ingredients f to make them uniform, but this can lead to tough burgers. Gently mix the meat, and seasonings together and then form the patties with your hands. The goal is to keep the texture tender and avoid over-handling.
2. Make a Dimple in the Center
It may seem counterintuitive, but making a small dimple in the center of each patty before cooking helps the burger cook more evenly. As the burger cooks, the meat will puff up in the center, and the dimple will prevent it from turning into a dome-shaped patty. This ensures a flat, well-cooked burger.
3. Season Generously
Simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural flavours of the pork. Don’t be afraid to season your patties with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, but remember: less is often more with these ones.
4. Use Medium-High Heat
When cooking burgers, whether on the grill or in a pan, medium-high heat is ideal. Too high, and the outside might burn before the inside cooks; too low, and you’ll end up with dry, overcooked burgers. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the patties hit the pan or grill, indicating they’re cooking at the right temperature.
5. Check for Doneness with a Meat Thermometer
The best way to ensure your burger is cooked to your desired doneness while you're still learning is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 63°C in the middle of your burger (just make sure when you put your probe into the meat you don't go all way through. This means you can avoid cutting into your burgers to check the doneness, as this can cause the juices to escape.
6. Let the Burgers Rest
Like all meat, it's good to let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices inside the patty, keeping your burger moist and flavourful. It also gives you time to toast your buns and prepare your toppings.
7. Toast the Buns
It can be tempting to skip the toasting but toasted buns add a nice crunch and flavour to your burger. You can toast them on the grill or in a pan for a couple of minutes until they’re golden brown after you've removed the patties, or just pop them in the oven. Just be careful not to burn them—keep an eye on the buns!
8. Get Creative with Toppings
While classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese are always a hit, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, pickles, or a fried egg. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to balance flavours and textures for the perfect burger.
9. Experiment with Sauces
Tomato sauce and mayo may be your go to burger sauces, but why not try making your own special sauce? A blend of mayo, tomato sauce, and a splash of hot sauce can elevate your burger to a whole new level. Or you can try a tangy BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
10. Serve Immediately
The best time to enjoy a homemade burger is right after it's assembled. Serve your burger hot, with your favourite sides—fries, a side salad, or even onion rings!
A few recipe variations for you to try
The ultimate beginners burger, this recipe is a super simple one for you to start mastering the art of burger making
With just a touch of spice these are a great step up in the burger game for those who like a touch of heat.
NZ pork burger with peach and red onion pickles
When you start getting braver with flavours and are ready to experiment, this is a great one to go to.
Final Thoughts
Making burgers from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, juicy burgers that you’ll be proud to serve. With a little practice, you’ll find your perfect patty and become a burger-making pro in no time! Happy cooking! 🍔
