American-Style Burger Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6g green tea bbq seasonings
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or classic sesame seed buns)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 small onion, sliced into rings
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves of lettuce (such as romaine or iceberg)
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Burger Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Sprinkle in 6g of green tea bbq seasonings. The green tea bbq seasonings bring a subtle smoky depth and complexity to the meat, enhancing its rich flavor while giving it a slight herbal kick.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently mix the beef with the seasoning, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overworking the meat can result in tough burgers, so gently combine everything until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Divide the seasoned ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty, making sure the edges are slightly thicker than the center (this helps prevent the patty from shrinking too much during cooking).
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure they cook evenly and don’t puff up in the middle.
Grill the Burgers:
- Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates or skillet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the burger patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for medium-well burgers. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred level of doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and cover with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.
Toast the Buns:
- While the burgers are cooking, cut the burger buns in half. Lightly toast the cut sides of the buns on the grill or in a separate pan for about 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- If you like, spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of the buns before toasting for extra richness.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Once the patties are cooked and the cheese has melted, it’s time to assemble your burgers. Start with the bottom half of the toasted bun.
- Place a fresh leaf of lettuce on the bun, followed by the cheesy burger patty.
- Add a couple of slices of tomato and a few rings of onion on top of the patty.
- Add a few pickle slices to enhance the flavor with a bit of tangy crunch.
- Spread ketchup and mustard (if desired) on the top bun before placing it on top of the burger.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious American-style burgers immediately with a side of crispy fries, a salad, or any of your favorite sides. The green tea bbq seasonings bring an unexpected depth to the burger, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- Enjoy this satisfying, flavorful burger that combines the comfort of American fast food with a touch of gourmet twist, all thanks to the unique seasoning blend. Your homemade burgers will be the highlight of any barbecue or casual dinner!
Optional Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeño slices or a spicy sriracha mayo to the burger for an extra layer of heat.
- Mushroom & Swiss: For a different twist, swap the cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, savory topping.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef patty with a veggie or plant-based patty, keeping the same toppings and seasonings.
- This American-style burger recipe is simple, classic, and packed with flavor, perfect for grilling season or any time you're craving a hearty, delicious meal!