There is just something about summer that makes you crave a thick, juicy burger, hot off the grill. Stock your outdoor kitchen cabinets with all the grilling essentials, like spatulas, long-handled tongs, a grill brush, grill mitts, and a meat thermometer before you get cooking. Then try these amazing twists on the classic burger!
The Classic Burger by Chef Michael Symon
Iron Chef Michael Symon knows a thing or two about meat. His restaurants include Mabel’s BBQ, Roast, and a burger franchise called The B Spot, plus he has a cookbook aptly named Carnivore. He’s also a popular television personality, as co-host of ABC’s The Chew, where he recently gave us the secret to making the perfect classic burger.
Start with 8 ounces of ground sirloin, 8 ounces of ground short ribs and 8 ounces of ground brisket. Chef Symon recommends mixing meats to create flavor and texture to your burgers — just don’t overwork it! Create four patties slightly larger than the buns, and use your thumb to create an indent in the center. Season your meat with salt and pepper, and place on a hot grill (or griddle). Cook for 5 minutes, flip once and cook on the other side for an additional 5 minutes or until done (burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F). Serve your burgers on a toasted English muffin or potato roll, topped with American cheese, mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles, sliced tomato, grilled onions, shredded lettuce, or any way your heart desires. Or try Chef Symon’s recipe for ShaSha Sauce on the Chew’s website!
The Gourmet Burger
Start with the classic burger recipe, and then go gourmet with these burger-topping twists:
The Caprese Burger: Sliced Roma tomatoes, sliced buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
The Tex-Mex Burger: Cheddar Jack cheese, mesquite-smoked bacon, sliced jalapeños, grilled sweet onions and BBQ sauce.
The Red, White and Blue Burger: Fresh spinach leaves, roasted red peppers, blue cheese crumbles, and red onions sautéed in butter.
The West Coast Burger: Sliced avocado, goat cheese, field greens, sprouts, and Dijon mustard.
The Tropical Burger: Provolone cheese, grilled pineapple, sliced red onion, mayo and teriyaki sauce.
Mushroom Burger: Swiss cheese, mushrooms sautéed in butter, garlic mayo.
Philly Cheesesteak Burger: Grilled bell peppers and onions, provolone cheese, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup.
Buffalo Burger: Blue cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and fried onions.
Southern BLT Burger: Pimento cheese, fried green tomato, Romaine lettuce, and applewood-smoked bacon.
Parmesan Burger: Tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and arugula.
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