The Art of Crafting the Perfect Bacon Surprise Hamburger

Crafting a delectable hamburger is an art form that involves attention to detail, quality ingredients, and a passion for flavor. We believe that every bite should be an unforgettable experience. By following our expert tips, you can create a burger that will not only satisfy your cravings but also dominate the culinary landscape.

Here are some of our best practices for making a tasty hamburger, with a special twist: a bacon surprise burger! Try adding a strip of bacon to every burger or even melting an ice cube inside as it cooks for a unique and juicy flavor. Follow these expert steps to elevate your hamburger game.

Ingredients and Tools

Essential Ingredients:

Black iron skillet 80/20 Ground Beef (fat is flavor) A strip of bacon for each burger Gently wedged ice cubes Kosher salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, onion powder Egg (optional, for lean ground beef) Wax paper (optional, for lean ground beef) Buns and condiments of your choice

Expert Tips for Crafting Your Bacon Surprise Burger

1. Shaping the Patties

Start by shaping your patties from a good handful of ground beef. Avoid rolling the beef into a ball and then smashing it, as this can compromise the texture. Instead, gently press the beef into a flat, round patty and poke a hole all the way through the middle with your finger. This technique will ensure your burger cooks evenly.

Then, season one side of the patty with kosher salt, cracked pepper, a little garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the seasoned side sit while you prepare the skillet.

2. Preparing the Pan

Note: Use a black iron skillet for ultimate flavor and texture.

Wipe some oil into the bottom of the skillet and heat it to medium. Once the pan is hot, lay the patties in the skillet seasoned side down. Season the other side after they start to brown. Watch the burgers as they cook—once they have browned halfway up the sides, flip them. Once they brown around the sides, cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.

This technique gives you a juicy, well-flavored burger that has the perfect crust on both sides, thanks to the black iron skillet.

3. Adding Bacon and Ice Cubes

For an irresistible twist, add a strip of bacon to each burger patty. Wrap the bacon around the patty, finishing it off with a gently-crushed wedge of ice. Cook the burger as usual, and the melting ice and bacon will infuse the meat with incredible flavor and moisture.

Additional Tips for a Flawless Burger

Use Lean Ground Beef: A leaner ground beef (around 80% lean, 20% fat) tends to be less greasy and more flavorful. Consider adding an egg for every 2 pounds of meat to bind the mixture together and enhance its flavor and texture.

Grill or Fry It: Once your patties are shaped and seasoned, grill them over medium heat or fry them until done to your liking. For grilling, you can use a cast-iron griddle or your black iron skillet on an open flame.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating a burger that not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your friends and family. Experiment with different seasonings, toppings, and cook times to find your perfect burger recipe. Happy cooking!