Are you craving a classic, juicy hamburger that's bursting with flavor? Forget fast food – this recipe will teach you how to make the best homemade hamburger, complete with a creamy, homemade mayo that takes it to the next level. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue. Get ready to experience hamburger perfection!
Ingredients:
For the Hamburgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 hamburger buns
- Your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese)
For the Homemade Mayo:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Making the Mayo:
- Combine ingredients: In a tall, narrow bowl or blender, whisk together the egg yolk and Dijon mustard until light and frothy.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil: With the mixer running on low speed (or whisking constantly by hand), slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil, a drop at a time initially, then gradually increasing the flow. The mixture should start to thicken.
- Add lemon juice and seasonings: Once all the oil is incorporated and the mayo is thick and creamy, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the mayo and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Making the Hamburgers:
- Prepare the patties: Gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough burgers. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Cook the patties: Cook the patties over medium-high heat in a skillet or on a grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your preferred internal temperature.
- Toast the buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of homemade mayo on both halves of each bun. Add your cooked hamburger patty, and top with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Hamburgers:
- Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing the ground beef will make the burgers tough.
- Make a small indentation: This helps prevent the patties from bulging during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Let the patties rest: Allow the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ground beef for a spicy kick.
- Cheese please: Top your burgers with your favorite cheese – cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even crumbled blue cheese.
- Gourmet toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding caramelized onions, bacon, avocado, or a fried egg.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on toppings and bun type)
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This delicious homemade hamburger recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy homemade mayo adds a delightful touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious meal! It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can deliver superior taste and satisfaction. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite!