Perfect Burgers

Have you ever been to Bobby Flay's burger place called Bobby's Burger Palace?  My family thinks they make the best burgers so when I saw that Bobby Flay had a burger cookbook, I had to grab it.  His recipe is basic, and once you have it you can make perfect burgers at home.  I have found that keeping it simple is key and pay close attention to cooking times.  I also try to use fresh ground beef that hasn't been frozen.  I have found this makes a big difference in the flavor of the beef...


Perfect Burger (adapted from Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes)
Recipe makes 5 good sized burgers.

1 1/2 lbs ground chuck (80/20)
Kosher Salt
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
Sliced American Cheese (optional)
Hamburger Buns

1.  Divide the meat into equal portions.  Form each portion into a 3/4 inch thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb.  Season both sides of the burger with salt and pepper.

2.  Heat a gas grill to high.  Rub oil on burgers.  Grill burgers until golden brown on first side, about 3 minutes.  Flip.  Cook an additional 4 minutes for medium rare or until desired level of doneness.

3.  Add the cheese during the last minute of grilling.

4.  Serve immediately on buns.

*We served ours with homemade fries and fry dipping sauce.  Yum!

Burger Cooking Times
Rare: 6 minutes total
Medium-rare: 7 minutes total
Medium: 8 minutes total
Well Done:  11 minutes total