Hyman's Famous Cheeseburger Recipe
Make Hyman's Famous Cheeseburger Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties
Cheese & Toppings
Buns & Condiments
Method
Burger Patties
- 1
Mix the meat
Place ground chuck (and optional ground beef) in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce and softened butter. Gently fold the mixture 12–15 times with a spatula or your hands until combined. Do not overwork — mixture should remain loose so patties stay juicy.
- 2
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 5–6 ounces each). Lightly press each portion into rounds about 4 inches in diameter and roughly 3/4 inch thick. Create a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.
- 3
Chill briefly (optional)
If the meat warmed while forming, refrigerate patties 10–15 minutes to firm up for easier handling and even cooking.
- 4
Cook patties
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). Brush or spray a light coat of oil on the surface. Place patties on the hot surface leaving space between them. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving, until a brown crust forms. Flip once and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust time +/- for desired doneness). In the last 60 seconds of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid or large bowl to melt the cheese quickly.
Cheese & Toppings
- 5
Prepare onions (optional caramelization)
If you prefer raw onions, skip to 'Assemble'. For softened onions: add 1 tbs neutral oil to a small skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and slightly golden. For sweeter, lightly caramelized onions, continue cooking 12–15 minutes until deep golden, adding a splash (1 tsp) water if sticking.
- 6
Prepare produce
Lightly wash and pat dry lettuce and tomato slices. Keep pickles and tomato ready for assembly.
Buns & Condiments
- 7
Make sauce
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise (1/2 cup), yellow mustard (2 tbs) and ketchup (2 tbs). Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust — add up to 1 tsp more mustard or ketchup if you like tangier or sweeter sauce.
- 8
- 9
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tbsp of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce handful on the sauce (this protects the bun from becoming soggy). Add the cheesy hot patty on the lettuce. Top each patty with 2 pickle slices, a tomato slice, and a spoonful of the prepared onions (raw or cooked). Spread a thin layer of sauce or a little ketchup on the top bun if desired, and close the burger.
