Making the Perfect Burger
Burgers are the standard summer cookout dish. Everyone’s got a favorite way to make them, whether it’s simple ground chuck, salt and pepper or a spicier blend with hot sauce. Any way you make them, burgers are a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family. But, why not put a gourmet twist on this traditional dish? With a few easy ingredient swaps you can have a unique sandwich with wham-bang flavor. We’ve got all the tips you need to prepare and cook the perfect burger as well as tasty topper combinations to help you create your best burger ever.
Preparing Your Burger
Most chefs agree, the key to making a juicy burger is selecting the right kind of beef. Meat experts prefer ground chuck or sirloin because of the slightly higher fat content, between 15 and 20 percent, that allows for better binding and flavor. If you’re buying ground beef, choose 85 percent lean. This is still less fat than your average fast food burger. To add more flavor, you can also experiment with ground pork, veal, lamb, chicken and turkey.
When forming your patties, strive for a size between 6 and 8 ounces. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Denser burgers tend to be less juicy. It will be easier to form patties if your hands are wet, so spray them with cooking oil before you get to work. Work the burgers into thin patties to ensure every bite includes a perfect combination of meat, bun and topping. Big balls of meat won’t cook evenly and won’t hold toppings well.
If you’re making burgers for a crowd, try forming your ground meat into a log and cutting it into individual portions, then perfecting the shape by hand. Again, take care not to overwork the meat or pack it too tightly.
Grilling
Grilling time for burgers varies by patty size and your type of grill, but a general rule is 3 minutes per side for rare and 4 minutes per side for medium. When making cheeseburgers, add cheese 2 minutes before you’re done cooking. While the burgers are cooking, resist the urge to flip them until they’ve stood for at least 3 minutes per side. The less you flip, the more the juices will stay inside and the better the burger will taste. Also, resist the urge to press. All you’re doing if you press on your burger is releasing the juices that ensure the best flavor.
If you have any uncooked patties left over, freeze them in a heavy duty Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Place the patties between sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap so they’ll be easy to separate later.
Seasonings
The simplest way to season a burger is with a bit of salt and pepper. However, there are a variety of other ways to add flavor within the meat as opposed to on top. Some easy additions include: minced garlic, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, minced bell peppers, minced jalapenos, minced olives, salsa, grated Parmesan cheese, a raw egg, fresh chopped herbs, soy sauce, and barbecue sauce.
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The Most Basic Burger
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
3 pounds Ukrop’s All-Natural ground beef, 85 percent lean
Olive oil, for forming patties
2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
Preheat grill to medium. Divide beef into 6-ounce portions. You should have about 8 burgers. Oil your hands and carefully form patties about 1/2-inch thick and 4 1/2 inches wide. Sprinkle each patty lightly with salt. Cook burgers for 3 minutes without touching them or until sides start to darken and juices begin to rise to the top. Flip and cook about 3 more minutes until firm or until they reach 160 degrees internal temperature.
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TIP: If you’re mixing up your gourmet burgers and the patties seem too wet, add bread crumbs about 1/4 cup at a time until the patties hold together well. Turkey and chicken burgers should be wetter than beef. They’ll dry more as they cook. If you’re in a pinch, pick up Ukrop’s pre-formed pre-seasoned burgers from the meat case. All you have to do is throw them on the grill and enjoy.
Side Dishes Made Easy
Focus on making the perfect burger and let Ukrop’s take care of the sides. We’ve got delicious options that pair perfectly with any burger.
Ukrop’s Kitchen Salads
Our kitchen features a variety of locally made preservative-free side salads in a host of fresh flavors. From Low Fat Pasta Salad to Loaded Baked Potato Salad, from Broccoli Slaw to Black Bean and Corn Salad, we’ve got something to please every palette.
Joe’s Market Chips
Joe’s Market Kettle Chips provide a satisfactory crunch to complement any burger. These thick, crunchy chips are carefully cooked and seasoned for premium gourmet flavor. Choose from Traditional, Ranch, Tavern Mustard, Sea Salt & Vinegar or Crème Fraiche & Chive. Or, buy one of each. They’ll go fast.
Don’t Forget the Salad Bar!
It’s not just for lunch. Stop by Ukrop’s award-winning salad bar for fresh fixings to make a big side salad. Or, pick up just the amount you want of some of our delicious pre-made Ukrop’s Kitchen salads. We’ve also just added two new salads for your tasting pleasure: Couscous and Tuscany Bean. Either one makes a cool summer side.
Sliders
When you’re making burgers for a party, a fun way to allow your guests to sample a variety of flavors is to make sliders. When making sliders, you can use just about any recipe you would for regular burgers, but form patties that are about 2 ounces each. You should get about 8 sliders per pound of beef. Because the burgers are smaller, limit toppings like lettuce and tomato so they won’t ooze out. Stick with the burger, cheese and sauce. Swap the traditional bun for a smaller dinner roll. Ukrop’s White House Rolls or Artisan Bread Rolls are ideal options. Plan on three sliders per person.
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Formulas for Fast, Fancy Burgers
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Try these Great Burger Recipes!
Stuffed Burger Siciliano
Serve With: Ukrop’s Caprese Salad
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound Ukrop’s All-Natural ground beef
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Joe’s Market Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon chopped capers
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped cooked spinach
3 tablespoons pine nuts, walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese
4 rolls, lettuce, tomato, sliced onion
Preparation: In a bowl, combine meat, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Form the meat into about 8 patties about 3/8 inch thick. Refrigerate while you prepare stuffing.
Mix cheese, capers, spinach and nuts in a small bowl. Place equal amounts on half of the patties. Cover filling with other patties and seal edges by pressing them together. Grill for about 4 minutes per side. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato and onion. Other filling combinations include: 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 3 tablespoons pesto and 1 ounce chopped prosciutto; or 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce and 3 tablespoons chopped onion.
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Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese
Serve With: Joe’s Market Crème Fraiche & Chive Kettle Chips
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
1-1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pepper to taste
Approx. 6 tablespoons Cablanca Goat Gouda cheese
4 whole wheat rolls, lettuce and tomato
Preparation: In a large bowl, combine turkey, bread crumbs, garlic and pepper and mix well. Form the mixture into about four patties. Grill burgers for about 4 minutes per side or until they’re cooked. Top with goat cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
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Tex-Mex Burger
Serve With: Joe’s Market Ranch Kettle Chips
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
1 small onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup Joe’s Market Roasted Garlic & Tomato Salsa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 pound Ukrop’s All-Natural ground beef
4 slices Kerrygold Vintage Irish Yellow Cheddar Cheese
1 avocado, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
4 rolls, lettuce and tomato
Preparation: Mix onion, garlic, salsa, salt, pepper, bread crumbs and beef until just blended. Form into about 4 patties. Grill burgers for 4 minutes per side and top with cheese 2 minutes before they are done cooking. Serve on rolls with lettuce, tomato, avocado, peppers, onions and more salsa if desired.
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Chicken-Apple-Bacon Burger
Serve With: Ukrop’s Broccoli & Cheddar Salad
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
2 slices Ukrop’s bacon
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 pound ground chicken or 1 pound Ukrop’s All-Natural Chicken Breast ground in a food processor
2 teaspoons fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 granny smith apple, cored, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
4 slices Kerrygold Vintage Irish Yellow Cheddar Cheese
4 rolls and lettuce
Preparation: Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and crumble. Add onion and sauté until browned. Mix chicken, bacon, onion, sage, salt and pepper until just blended. Form 4 patties that are 4 inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. Grill for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Top with cheddar cheese 2 minutes before patties are done. Grill apple slices on a separate part of grill for 1 minute per side if desired. Grill rolls cut side down for 1 minute or until toasted. Serve 1 patty on each bun with 2 apple slices.
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UVC Discounts and Community Events
Sign Up to Sell Lemonade and Fight Cancer!
July 18-20
Set up a stand at the seventh annual ANTHEM LEMONAID to benefit Children’s Miracle Network-Richmond. Participants receive a FREE LemonAid Kit with lemonade, cups, pitcher, stickers, signs and more. Families, community groups and businesses are encouraged to participate. Visit www.childrensmiraclenetwork.net to register or call (804) 228-5929 for more information. Groups interested in placing a stand at Ukrop’s should sign up for a Ukrop’s location with CMN-Richmond.
SkateNation Plus UVC Discount
Through November 30, 2008
Where 4350 Pouncey Tract Road
Offer Show your UVC card and save $25 off any Birthday Party Package (not valid on Saturdays, must pre-book) and 10 percent off Learn to Skate or Hockey U programs (first-time customers only).
More info Visit www.skatenationplus.com.
Richmond Ice Zone UVC Discount
Through November 30, 2008
Where 636 Johnston Willis Drive
Offer Show your UVC card and save 10 percent off Learn to Skate or Hockey U programs
(first-time customers only).
More info Visit www.richmondicezone.com.
Luray Caverns
UVC Discount Through October 31
A U.S. Natural Landmark, Luray Caverns features paved walkways, cathedral-sized rooms, towering columns and crystal-clear pools. Come hear the haunting sounds of the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ.
Show your UVC Card and save $4 off each adult ticket (13 years and up) to Luray Caverns. Not valid with any other discount. Limit of 6.
Greater Tuna at Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern
UVC Discount Through June 15
Offer Save $3 off of the $38 single ticket price with your UVC Card. Donate canned goods at each performance to the Hanover County Department of Social Services and help families in need. 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road. For more information, call (804) 282-2620 or visit www.barksdalerichmond.or
Richmond Kickers UVC Discount
When 2008 Regular Season Home Games
Where University of Richmond Stadium
Offer Show your UVC card at the gate for $2 off each general admission ticket. G.A. tickets are regularly $12 for adults and $7 for youth (4-17). Kids under 3 are admitted free.
More info Call (804) 644-KICK or visit www.RichmondKickers.com to order tickets in advance.
Vacation Bible School Refreshments
Ukrop’s has been serving the children in our church communities during the summer for more than 50 years. Through our Vacation Bible School program, we give donations of snacks and drinks to churches participating in week long summer Bible School programs. For information about the Vacation Bible School program, click here.
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