Single Cheeseburger Recipe
Make Single Cheeseburger Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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For the burger
For the bun & toppings
Method
For the burger
- 1
Form the patty
Gently shape the 6 oz ground beef into a round patty about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burger tender. Make a shallow 1/2-inch-wide dimple in the center with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.
- 2
Season
Pat both sides of the patty lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper immediately before cooking.
- 3
- 4
Cook the patty
Place the patty in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 3½ minutes to form a brown crust. Flip once and cook the second side 2½ to 3 minutes for medium (internal temperature about 145–150°F / 63–66°C). If you prefer medium-well, cook 3½ to 4 minutes on the second side.
- 5
Add cheese
About 1 minute before the patty is done, place the slice of cheddar on top. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid or a large bowl for about 1 minute to melt the cheese evenly.
- 6
Remove the patty from the pan and let it rest on a plate for 1 to 2 minutes while you toast the bun. Resting helps juices redistribute and prevents them from running out when you bite the burger.
For the bun & toppings
- 7
Toast the bun
While the patty rests, spread 1 teaspoon softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the hamburger bun. Return the same skillet to medium heat (wipe out excess fat if there's a lot). Place buns cut-side down in the skillet and toast 30 to 60 seconds until golden and fragrant. Remove from pan.
- 8
Assemble sauce
In a small bowl or directly on the bottom bun, combine 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon ketchup. Spread the sauce evenly onto the bottom half of the toasted bun.
- 9
Build the burger
Place the sauced bottom bun on a plate. Add the lettuce leaf, then the resting cheeseburger patty (cheese side up). Top the patty with 2 slices of tomato and 2 thin slices of red onion. Spread a little mayonnaise or leave plain on the top bun if desired, then place the top bun over the stack.
- 10
Serve immediately while hot. Optionally provide pickles and extra condiments on the side.