Biting into a perfectly crafted burger is one of life’s greatest pleasures, a great pleasure that relies on the quality of the patty at its center.
But the quest for the perfect patty can be fraught with challenges. When dining out, you're at the mercy of the restaurant's standards, and at home, a plethora of recipes and conflicting advice online can leave you overwhelmed and unsure.
Lucky for you, we've done the research and consolidated expert knowledge and time-tested techniques to bring you the ultimate burger patty making guide.
Armed with our step-by-step guide and premium Silver Fern Farms ground red meat, you’ll soon be confidently crafting perfect patties at home, ensuring you get a juicy and delicious burger every time.
Here’s How it’s Done
Step 1. Choose Quality Meat:
Luckily you’re already in the right place for this. Our premium ground red meat is all-natural, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and our 100% grass-fed ground beef has a 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio, perfect for the juiciest and most delicious patties.
Step 2. Prepare the Patties:
• Gently break up the meat in a bowl.
Note: Don’t add seasoning yet. For this particular patty recipe we’re keeping things simple and letting the natural flavor of the meat take center stage. Find our other burger recipes here: Nutritious New Zealand Recipes & Tips | Silver Fern Farms
• Divide into equal portions (about 1/3 to 1/2 pound each).
• Shape into patties slightly larger than your buns, as they'll shrink a little during cooking.
• Create a thumb indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents the patty from puffing up and ensures even cooking.
Step 3. Chill the Patties:
For best results, refrigerate the formed patties for at least 20 minutes before cooking, this will help the patty maintain its shape during cooking. Chilling also counteracts the warmth from your hands during shaping, which can cause some fat to break down.
Step 4. Season Just Before Grilling:
Wait until just before cooking to season your patties. Use a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Seasoning too early can draw out moisture, potentially leading to drier burgers.
Step 5. Grilling Technique:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Let the grill do its thing, and flip the patty only once halfway through cooking time. Resist the urge to press down on the patty with your spatula. This will drain the delicious juices and can lead to a drier burger. We recommend cooking the patty all the way through, or to medium if you prefer.
• Medium: grill for 8-9 minutes
• Well-Done: grill for 9+ minutes
Step 6. Check for ‘Doneness’:
The cooking time of your patties should determine their doneness. But to ensure they’re perfectly cooked, check their internal temperature.If you’re using a Meat Thermometer, here’s what you’re looking for:
• Medium: 145°F
• Well-Done: 160°F
If you don’t have a thermometer, use this simple technique with your hand as a reference for how cooked your patty is:
• Medium: Press your ring finger and thumb together, and feel your muscle below the thumb with your other hand. If the patty's firmness matches this, it’s medium.
• Well Done: Gently press your pinky and thumb together, and feel the firm area below the thumb. If the patty's firmness matches this, it’s well done.
Step 7. Rest the Patties:
After grilling, let the patties rest for 5 minutes. (Pro tip: Flip the patty halfway through the resting period for even juice distribution).
Step 8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place your perfect patty on a toasted bun, add your favorite toppings and condiments, and enjoy your homemade masterpiece! For some extra inspiration, check out our burger recipe ideas like our Korean Style Venison Burger with Kimchi Slaw, or our Lamb Burgers with Caramelized Pineapple and Asian Slaw recipe.
With these tips and techniques, and quality, natural ingredients you have everything you need to make the perfect burger at home. So fire up that grill, grab some Silver Fern Farms premium quality ground beef, lamb and venison here Buy NZ Premium Burger Meat Box Online, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound burger-making skills.
