As the nation gears up to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods, Chef Justin of Mountain Burger invites you to elevate your burger game with an exclusive recipe! Here are his tried-and-true tips for pure burger bliss.
- Start with the Right Meat: 100% Grass-Fed Beef
The foundation of any exceptional burger is, without a doubt, the meat. Chef Justin insists on using 100% grass-fed beef. The quality and flavor of grass-fed beef elevate the burger to a whole new level, delivering a rich, natural taste that’s hard to beat.
- The Perfect Blend: 80/20 Split
Chef recommends an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for the patty. Though often misunderstood, the fat content is essential for flavor and juiciness.
- Season Simply: Salt and Pepper
In the world of burger seasoning, simplicity reigns supreme. Salt and pepper are Chef Justin’s go-to seasonings, allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine through.
- Customize the Size: 4-8 Ounces
The size of your patty is a matter of personal preference. Chef Justin suggests a range of 4-8 ounces, depending on how hearty you want your burger to be.
- Handle with Care: Minimal Pressing
Once you’ve got the meat blend right, resist the urge to over-handle it. A single press to form the patty is all you need. Don’t keep shaping it; let it be.
- Create a Thumbprint for Moisture
Make a small thumbprint indentation in the middle of the patty before grilling. This prevents the patty from shrinking excessively during cooking.
- Keep It Moist: The Ice Cube Trick
To ensure your burger stays moist and juicy, place a small ice cube in the thumbprint indentation as it cooks on the grill.
- Flip Once: Preserve the Goodness
Flip the patty only once during cooking. Frequent flipping can lead to loss of flavor and juiciness.
- Texture Matters: Caramelize the Edges
Let the outer edges of the patty caramelize slightly to add a delightful texture and depth of flavor.
- Timing for Cheese: Add at the End
If you’re opting for cheese, place it on the patty when it’s almost finished cooking on the grill. This ensures a perfectly melted, gooey topping.
- Rest for Perfection
After grilling, allow your burger to rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
- Don’t Forget the Bun
A great burger deserves a great bun. Enhance your burger experience by grilling the bun with a touch of butter or olive oil for that irresistible texture.
- Build Your Masterpiece
Now comes the fun part—building your burger. Chef Justin’s topping suggestions include mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and ketchup. Customize it to your heart’s content.
Chef Justin’s All-Time Favorite Burger Recipe
For those who want to try something truly special, Chef Justin shares his all-time favorite burger recipe: a blend of 2 pounds of ground beef, a packet of Lipton soup mix, 2 tablespoons of Tamari, finely diced jalapeno, and chopped onion. Grill it up and serve on a brioche bun. This patty is so flavorful it needs no additional toppings.
Have we made your mouth water enough by now? To experience an authentic Chef Justin burger first hand, visit Mountain Burger in nearby NorthWest Crossing – 2747 NW Crossing Drive in Bend.