Old Fashioned Hamburger Recipe
Make Old Fashioned Hamburger Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Beef Patties
Toppings & Assembly
Method
Beef Patties
- 1
Portion and form
Divide the 1 lb ground chuck into two equal portions (about 8 oz / 225 g each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball, then press into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and roughly the diameter of the bun. Do not overwork the meat — handle as little as possible to keep patties tender.
- 2
Season
Just before cooking, season both sides of each patty evenly with kosher salt (about 1/2 tsp per side total) and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3
Preheat skillet or griddle
Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 4–5 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and spread to coat the surface.
- 4
Cook patties
Place the patties on the hot surface and press lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes for medium (adjust 1–2 minutes more for medium-well).
- 5
Toppings & Assembly
- 6
Toast buns
While patties cook or during the resting period, spread 1 teaspoon of softened butter on the cut face of each bun half (total 2 tbs butter). Place buttered sides down on a separate skillet or the same griddle over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 7
Prepare vegetables
If you haven't already, separate and rinse lettuce leaves and pat dry. Slice tomato into 2–3 slices and thinly slice onion into rings. Arrange pickles.
- 8
Assemble burger
On the bottom bun, spread 1 tablespoon ketchup and 1 teaspoon mustard (adjust to taste). Place lettuce leaf, then the cheesy patty. Top the patty with tomato slices, onion rings, and pickle slices. Finish with the top bun.
- 9