Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Charred Hanover›Charred Burger Recipe

Charred Burger Recipe

Inspired by Charred Hanover
Time30m
Serves2

Make Charred Burger Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Buns & Toppings

Sauce (Quick Burger Sauce)

Method

Sauce (Quick Burger Sauce)

  1. 1

    Mix sauce

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce (if using) and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning; set in refrigerator while you prepare the burger.

Burger Patties

  1. 2

    Form patties

    Divide the ground chuck into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball and then flatten to a 3/4-inch thick patty about 4 inches across. Do not overwork the meat; light handling preserves juiciness. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

  2. 3

    Season

    Brush both sides of each patty lightly with neutral oil. Season generously on both sides with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Sprinkle the Worcestershire sauce over each patty or brush it on lightly.

  3. 4

    Preheat cook surface

    Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot, about 5–7 minutes. For an outdoor grill, preheat to high and create a hot searing zone. The goal is to get an immediate char on contact.

  4. 5

    Sear (create char)

    Place the patties on the hot skillet or grill and press down firmly with a spatula or flat press for 10–15 seconds to increase contact (for a true char). Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown/blackened crust forms on the bottom. Flip the patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheese. Cook the second side 1.5–2 minutes for medium-rare to medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

  5. 6

    Rest briefly

    Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute and prevents excessive run-out when assembling.

Buns & Assembly

  1. 7

    Toast buns

    While patties cook (or immediately after), spread softened butter on cut sides of buns. Toast buttered sides in the hot skillet or on the grill, 30–60 seconds, until golden and slightly crisp. Remove buns from heat.

  2. 8

    Assemble burgers

    Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce (optional — helps keep bun from getting soggy), then set a charred patty with melted cheese on top. Add tomato slice, a few rings of red onion, and pickle slices. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot, with fries, chips, or a simple side salad.

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