Everybody loves hamburgers. It is a universal food that is very versatile. Throughout the world this food is accepted and boasts of a status that is consistent with food lovers. Diners all over savor this food, especially as they are served fast and hot. Despite having humble beginnings, burgers have presently made their way into popular and fashionable restaurants as a gourmet food.

 

Many menus of today find the humble burger dressed in different ways. Different toppings are used to come up with a fancy sandwich. Toppings like bacon, blue cheese, goat cheese, pineapples, chilies, just to name a few, are used.

 

So how can one make a gourmet burger?

 

The first important thing to remember is to always have the freshest ingredients. Do not purchase meat that is already ground. Have the butcher grind the meat for you. Choose beef cuts like round or chuck and have it ground before taking it home and preparing it right away for grilling. You will notice that using freshly ground beef is definitely different and better tasting than not.

 

Another important thing to remember is that the fats in the meat are responsible for the burger's real flavors. So it is not necessary to get expensive, lean cuts. This will not make a better burger. Ground chuck or sirloin is said to be the best meat for burgers or a combination of both. When you ask the butcher to grind your meat, let them grind it coarsely. It makes for a better patty than those using finely ground meat.

 

Forming the burger is very important while using barbecue grill mat. Make sure that your patties are larger than your buns. Make its thickness about an inch. If you patties are too thick, your burgers might not cook in the middle. And once it gets cooked, the outer part can become overcooked and dry up. Juicy burgers are the best. Also remember not to pack your patties too tightly. As long as they hold together on the grill, a light packing will do just fine.

 

When you mix other ingredients to your patty, make sure that they are chopped or minced fine so that it blends with the meat. Sometimes we want to put too many stuff in our burgers like bread crumbs, onions, garlic, and other additives. They will do fine as long as they are not too chunky. Although it is fine to put whatever you want in your burger, simple bread crumbs and egg will be enough. And we don't add these things to enhance its flavor but simply to spread out and bind the meat.

 

Use fresh ingredients to finish off your gourmet burger using a burger press. Homegrown fresh tomatoes and lettuce are best, and they need to be cool and crisp when you put them on top of your burger. Condiments and toppings are to be prepared just before eating time. And the buns? Freshly bakes ones are perfect.