Introduction
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade burgers with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Featuring succulent lean minced beef paired with a medley of fresh toppings and Cheddar cheese, these burgers are perfect for a cookout or family dinner. With a balanced combination of textures and flavors, everyone will love digging into these mouthwatering creations.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g quality lean minced beef
100g Cheddar cheese
4 gherkins
200g red cabbage
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
½ an iceberg lettuce
½ a cucumber
6 small burger buns, preferably wholemeal
Optional: tomato ketchup, to serve
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes is needed for preparation, including patty shaping and cutting the toppings.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Enjoy creating these delightful burgers that are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Use clean hands to thoroughly mix the minced beef. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, shaping each portion into a tight patty. This helps prevent the patties from falling apart during cooking. Once shaped, place the patties on a tray, cover them, and refrigerate until you are ready to cook. Remember to wash your hands after handling the raw meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
Slice the Cheddar cheese and gherkins. If available, use a crinkle-cut knife for a fun appearance.
Step 3: Prepare the Red Cabbage
Finely slice or grate the red cabbage and place it in a bowl. Mix the shredded cabbage with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar to enhance its flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Shred the iceberg lettuce and slice the cucumber, then place them in another bowl for assembly later.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Cook the burgers on a hot barbecue or in a hot frying or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to turn them, cooking in batches if necessary.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Once the burgers are cooked, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the barbecue or pan for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Warm the Buns
Cut the burger buns in half. If using a barbecue, warm them alongside the burgers for about 30 seconds.
Step 8: Assemble the Burgers
To assemble the burgers, place each patty in a bun and add the gherkin slices on top. Include the shredded lettuce and cucumber in the stack, serving any extra on the side along with the pickled red cabbage. If desired, add a dollop of tomato ketchup, then place the bun lids on top and serve.
Notes
Note 1: Fresh Ingredients
Using quality and fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of the burgers and toppings.
Note 2: Cooking Method
Alternatively, you can cook the patties in a regular oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Note 3: Variations
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or dietary needs; adding sliced tomatoes or onions can also be beneficial.
Note 4: Storage
Leftover cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for later meals.
Cook techniques
Mixing Minced Beef
Use clean hands to thoroughly combine the minced beef, ensuring an even distribution of texture and flavor. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into tight patties to help retain their form during cooking.
Preparing Toppings
Slice the Cheddar cheese and gherkins carefully, using a crinkle-cut knife for an attractive presentation. Finely slice or grate the red cabbage and mix it with vinegar to enhance flavor and texture.
Shredding Lettuce and Slicing Cucumber
Shred the iceberg lettuce into fine pieces to create a crunchy topping. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds for added freshness and crunch.
Cooking Burgers
Cook the patties on a hot barbecue or in a frying or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Each side should be cooked for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the patties gently with a spatula to avoid breaking them apart.
Melting Cheese
Once the burgers are cooked through, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the cooking surface for 2 additional minutes to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
Warming Burger Buns
Cut the burger buns in half and warm them on the barbecue or in a pan for about 30 seconds to enhance their texture and flavor.
Assembling Burgers
Place the cooked patty in the bun, layering with gherkins, lettuce, and cucumber. Serve any leftover toppings on the side, alongside pickled red cabbage, and add a drizzle of tomato ketchup if desired.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?
Yes, you can substitute minced beef with minced chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives if you prefer.
How can I ensure my patties don’t fall apart during cooking?
Make sure to shape the patties tightly, and refrigerate them before cooking to help them hold their shape.
What type of cheese can I use instead of Cheddar?
You can use any melting cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss cheese as an alternative to Cheddar.
Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the cheese and gherkins and prepare the red cabbage with vinegar in advance to save time during assembly.
How long should I cook the burgers for?
Cook each side of the burgers for 3 to 4 minutes, adjusting the time based on your desired level of doneness.
Can I add other toppings to my burgers?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, or avocado to customize your burger to your taste.
Conclusion
This recipe for lean minced beef burgers offers a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. With the addition of fresh toppings and flavorful ingredients, the burgers are not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. The optional tomato ketchup provides the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the overall taste experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Veggie Burgers
Substitute the minced beef with a mix of black beans, quinoa, and finely chopped vegetables to create tasty veggie patties. Top with avocado and salsa for a fresh twist.
Cheesy Beef Melts
Add caramelized onions and mushrooms to the beef patties before topping with melted cheese. Serve on toasted bread for a hearty beef melt sandwich.
Mexican-Style Burgers
Incorporate chopped jalapeños and spices into the minced beef. Serve with guacamole and pico de gallo for a zesty flavor profile.
Asian-Inspired Sliders
Mix minced beef with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Assemble on buns and top with shredded carrots and sliced scallions for a unique flavor combination.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers
Cook bacon until crispy and add it to the classic burger along with BBQ sauce for a smoky and savory twist.
Greek-Style Beef Burgers
Add feta cheese, olives, and oregano to the beef mixture. Serve in pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables for a Mediterranean flair.
