Fourth of July Special- A Juicy Tender Burger! VIDEO TOO!

I have finally got down to it. After an entire year of saying: “I’m going to do a video post,” I finally did it! As you can see it is quite amateur but I had fun and I broke the ice. Just so you know, I used a canon powershot, secured on a tri-pod. It was a one man show- I did it on my own, while everyone else hit the shops, hence there is no zoom and well the wind is in full blown action! So, I apologize for the poor sound. I’ll endeavor to improve the next one.

So, I took some close-up shots of the entire process for you!

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That’s my niece, enjoying a burger, with no inhibitions! Get in there, Vanessa!

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She loves burgers! And, who doesn’t when they are right off the grill, sizzling, perfectly tender and juicy.

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I’ve spent a lot of time, trying to figure out how to keep the meat tender. I’ve read up over the years and here’s what’s worked:

I add minced mushrooms: preferably white cap mushrooms they won’t add an over-powering mushroom taste but will help keep the texture of the meat tender.

I also like to add 7-spices. It’s that Middle-Eastern thing in my blood, I guess.

Then I add an herb, usually rosemary.

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Minced Garlic, cuz I can’t live without it! It adds a little bit of Zing!

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Then, I mix it, but not too much, just enough till it’s well combined. Overworking the meat, can make it tough!

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Turn it into uniform patties, about 3/4 inch, to ensure even cooking. Optimum internal burger temperature is 160F.

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Using your thumb, make an indent or a shallow hole into the center of the burger. This will keep the burger from shrinking when exposed to the heat from the grill.

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Grill on Medium-Low heat, this will ensure they are not charred on the outside and raw in the center. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. ONLY TURN TWICE. Also, DON’T press down with a spatula, you let all the flavorful juices escape…

Closing the lid will keep the burgers even more moist, retains the heat and thus shorter cooking time.

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Oh! Don’t forget to butter the burger buns- adds a little crispiness

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Then grill them…

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To get them nice and warm & give them those pretty char-grill marks

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Eat and be happy

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Happy Fourth to all, have fun and be safe!

Juicy Hamburger

Serves 4

  • 800g mince beef or lamb- Preferably not leaner than 85%. You know why, fat adds flavor and keeps moist.
  • 1 white mushroom cap, minced
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 sprig of rosemary, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon 7-spices
  • 1 heaping teaspoon of sea salt or to your tasting

Secrets to a better burger- Quick rundown

  1. Add minced mushrooms
  2. Use meat that is no leaner than 85%
  3. Don’t overwork the meat
  4. Make patties into uniform sizes, about 3/4 inch
  5. Add small indent in the center of the burger
  6. Optimum cooking temperature is medium-low. Internal burger temperature 160F
  7. Close lid
  8. Only turn twice
  9. Serve with Beetroot-Avocado Salsa (soon to follow), but that’s just my opinion icon smile Fourth of July Special  A Juicy Tender Burger! VIDEO TOO!
spring Fourth of July Special  A Juicy Tender Burger! VIDEO TOO!

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13 Responses to “Fourth of July Special- A Juicy Tender Burger! VIDEO TOO!”
  1. jo-c 2 July 2009 at 8:23 pm #

    WOOOOOOOOOW!! IM SO HUNGRY!! Your posts really make everyone say this. Well, I am so inspired now to tackle this fourth of July BBQ weekend! Thank you so much miss dirty kitchen secrets!!

  2. Moni 3 July 2009 at 3:12 am #

    Beta!!!! I love the video!!!! nicely done. Can’t wait to try one of your burgers….Vanessa looks like she’s savoring every moment of it :)

  3. Manggy 3 July 2009 at 11:54 am #

    Great video Bethany, don’t worry about the production values. I kinda laughed at the start, you were moving so smoothly towards the camera, I thought it was zooming! :)
    Burgers are always a fave of mine– with a slice of cheese of course :)

  4. the graphic foodie 3 July 2009 at 2:29 pm #

    Great tip on the dimple in the middle of the burger. Never knew that!

  5. amale daniel 3 July 2009 at 2:54 pm #

    beth ilove your hamburger so delicious yami i made it already for my childrens and they loved it bravo beth

  6. Eric & Evelyn Villamor Peterson 3 July 2009 at 6:38 pm #

    Wow, nice vid…going to have to do it also….i’m hungry watching you talk about food….breakfast burgers??….still waking up…later will have to try that reciepe

  7. Global Patriot 3 July 2009 at 8:38 pm #

    Incredible recipe, love the touch of spice, though I often sub thyme for the rosemary and add a bit of Gruyere cheese on top. I’m ready for the 4th now!

  8. Mela 4 July 2009 at 12:42 am #

    Yuuuuuuuumy! Had burgers 2 days in a row and can’t get enough! McDonalds who??? More like, McBetas.. Keep em comin’

  9. jocy 4 July 2009 at 6:13 am #

    McBeta’s!!! Im craving a McBeta !!!! !!!!

  10. Bethany 4 July 2009 at 9:39 am #

    JO! Thank you :)
    Moni- She’s adorable, I wish i could feed her all the time…We are all having a blast with her!
    Maangy: Hehe :) Gotta have the cheese!
    Global Patriot: Enjoy!
    Mela, Jocy: :) x

  11. Petra & Marwan jahchan 4 July 2009 at 10:25 am #

    Batoota,
    What a wonderful video post! Marwan is salivating for a burger now and what a great location to do your post. I think next time, we ought to get you onto CNN!!! Miss you xxx

  12. foodcreate 9 July 2009 at 2:35 am #

    Amazing Video! Delicious Burger !

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Welcome ~~~
    http://foodcreate.com
    Join post your comments!

    Have a wonderful Day!

  13. Marco 8 October 2009 at 7:13 pm #

    I didn’t get much of the video – spent all my time looking at the gorgeous chef!!! ;)

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