My All-Time Favorite Burger Recipe (Extra-Crusty Burgers) | Kenji's Cooking Show

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

burger buns

🥗Healthier: whole grain buns

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain buns add fiber, while white bread is often cheaper.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

mayonnaise

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while adding creaminess.

Start with a chuck steak and short ribs for the burger meat.

Slice out the main muscle groups from the chuck and short ribs, leaving behind tough sinewy bits.

Chop the meat by hand using a Chinese cleaver, ensuring it is well marbled for flavor and juiciness.

If the meat starts to get warm and smear, place it on a sheet tray in a single layer and freeze for about 5 minutes to chill it.

After chilling, continue chopping the meat until it is ground to the desired consistency, mixing it around to ensure even chopping.

Use a ratio of approximately 75% chuck to 25% short rib for the meat blend.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens