The Homemade Hamburger Seasoning, When mastering the crafting of a perfect hamburger, there are many things to consider. But perhaps the most important factor is the seasoning. A well-seasoned patty is what makes an extraordinary burger. In this ultimate guide, we will discuss how to make burger seasoning, what to add to ground beef when making hamburgers, and the best techniques to season your burger meat. Whether you recently learned how to cook or you are a master at the grill, this guide will help you obtain a burger that will bring the eater pleasure and happiness.
The Basics of Burger Seasoning
Before diving into various ground beef seasoning recipes, we must master beef seasoning. A seasoned ground beef patty should not be overpowered with seasoning so recipes that enhance the ground beef seasoning will be most productive. A simple guide to this is as follows:
What to Add to Ground Beef for Hamburgers
The first step of making a burger is to find ground beef of the best quality first. The most ideal fat content is 80/20, and this means there is 20% fat and 80% lean meat in the ground beef. The fat content is what will provide juiciness and enhance the burger flavor. For seasonings, you will need:
- Salt: A must-have seasoning. Sea salt or kosher salt provides the best enhancement.
- Pepper: A must-have as well. Use freshly cracked black pepper as that will add a subtle enhancement.
- Garlic Powder: Contributes a deep and savory flavor profile.
- Onion Powder: Along with being a complementing flavor to garlic, it also brings sweet flavor notes.
This is where the fun begins, these staples give you the perfect starting point to go as far as you want with other spices and herbs.
Creating The Ideal Blend For The Burger Seasoning Mixture
The right balance when it comes to seasoning mixes is crucial. The following is a traditional burger seasoning recipe which you can adjust as you prefer.
Traditional Burger Seasoning Mixture Recipe
Ingredients:
- Salt: 2 tablespoons
- Black Pepper: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon (for sweetness, this is optional)
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (for added heat, this is optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, add all the ingredients together.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients look homogeneous.
- Seal tightly in a container where it will last up to six months.
The seasoning blend can be utilized with a range of proteins, but it is best suited for hamburgers. You can also modify the ingredient ratios to your desired heat and sweetness.
Amount of Seasoning per Pound of Ground Beef for Burgers
As a standard guideline, approximately one tablespoon of seasoning blend for every pound of ground beef is optimal. This offers a sufficient amount of beef to make a patty and allows for the seasoning to be flavorful, but not overwhelming.
Advice for Seasoning Ground Beef for Hamburgers
When to Season
When is the proper time to season? Should it’s no other than before or after the ground beef has been shaped into a patty. The appropriate method is to season ground beef before the shaping of the patty. This method allows the flavoring to infuse into the ground beef rather than simply staying on the top of the beef surface.
The Process of Seasoning Ground Beef for Hamburgers
In a large bowl, place the ground beef.
Sprinkle the spice blend over the ground beef, for even seasoning.
Using your hands, mix the seasoning blend into the ground beef, but do not overwork the beef mixture. If ground beef is overworked, the burgers will be quite compact and chewy.
Create the rounded meat into a patty and ensure the patty is a little over an inch thick, approximately 3/4 inch, to ensure proper internal cooking and even heating.
Gourmet Burger Seasoning Ideas
If you’re interested in making your burgers gourmet, try the following suggested mixtures:
Mediterranean Burger Rub
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Smoky Chipotle Burger Spices
- 2 teaspoons chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Herb-Infused Burger Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Trying out the suggested blends above will definitely bring the burgers to a whole new level and give them a unique and standout taste from your typical burger, especially at a cookout.
Cooking the Perfect Seasoned Burger
Your burger seasoning is ready to go, the patties are prepped, and it’s time to cook them. Here are a few tips to ensure your burgers are cooked just right, whether you’re using a grill or the stovetop:
Temperature Burgers
Preheat the grill.
After a few minutes, place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or to your desired level of doneness.
Do not press down on patties, as it squeezes the juices.
After they’re done, let them rest for a minute, as it allows the juices to redistribute, and then serve.
Stovetop Cooking
Heat some oil in a pan while getting it ready on the stovetop at medium-high temperature.
Then, the next step involves placing the burgers in the pan so that they can cook for a duration of four to five minutes, rotating the patties halfway through.
You should let the burgers rest the same way you let the burgers rest after you grill them.