American Recipe

toast and butter buns

Split the buns and spread about 1/2 teaspoon softened butter on each cut side. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast buns, buttered-side down, until golden, 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside, cut sides up.

When burgers are cooked, assemble each burger by spreading 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, add the cooked patty with melted American cheese, top with tomato slice, 2 pickle slices, a few rings of red onion, 1 teaspoon ketchup and 1 teaspoon mustard. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

mix the beef

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender.

shape patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and gently form into 3/4-inch-thick patties slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When the oil shimmers, add patties (work in two batches if needed) and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese. Transfer to a plate and rest for 2 minutes.

Prepare toppings while patties cook: wash and dry lettuce leaves, slice tomato into 1/4-inch rounds, thinly slice red onion and have pickle slices ready. Portion ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise into small ramekins or measure teaspoons for assembly.