106°F
weather icon Windy

Spoil dad with gourmet hamburgers

With Father’s Day just around the corner, may I suggest giving dear old dad what he really wants: an amazing hamburger. Seriously, who doesn’t love a big, tender, juicy burger? Except for a few vegetarians, every dad I know would agree.

Not the kind of burger you get at the drive-thru, but one a purist would love, with a balance of textures, big beefy flavor, enrobed in cheese. No need to visit your local steakhouse to satisfy that craving. We can make them at home at a fraction of the cost.

There are many ways to make a great burger, but here’s a goof-proof favorite. Let’s make thin burgers rather than thick. Thick burgers have their place, but thin burgers have an advantage I can describe in two words: surface area. The edge, or crust of a burger, is full of flavor. I’m talking about the Maillard reaction, friends. This reaction happens when protein reacts with high heat. Thin patties cook quickly and evenly, turn out crispy and caramelized outside, juicy inside. Want more beef? Stack ’em up.

We can’t talk burgers without talking about ground beef, specifically the fat content. The label tells the ratio of lean meat to fat in the package. The range begins at 73/27 (the fattiest) and goes to 96/4 (the leanest). In my opinion, unless there are health concerns, this is not the time for lean beef. Fat brings juiciness and flavor to the party.

If you plan to cook your burgers on the grill, opt for 85/15 to minimize flare-ups caused by fat dripping into the fire. If you’re cooking them in a skillet or under the broiler then I recommend choosing 73/27 hamburger. Just buy extra to account for the loss of weight when the fat drains off.

Regarding cheese, it’s fun to splurge on high-quality cheese but you don’t have to invest in a whole block. You can go to the deli and request exactly four thin slices of any cheese you desire, and that’s very affordable.

With the money you’ll save making amazing burgers at home, you might have enough money left to buy Dad a set of matching socks, tie and handkerchief. (Don’t do that. Really, don’t). Happy Father’s Day!

DAD APPROVED BURGERS

The recipe below makes four single burgers. To make double burgers (and why wouldn’t you?), simply double the beef and cheese in the recipe.

Yield: 4 6-ounce or 8-ounce uncooked weight burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

What you’ll need:

1½ pounds 85/15 ground beef or 2 pounds 73/27 ground beef

1½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for crust

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

¼ cup green onion, white and green parts, thinly sliced, optional

1 tablespoon olive or canola oil, grill only

4 thin slices cheese of choice

4 hamburger buns of choice

Serve with your preferred condiments and lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.

Here’s how:

Place ground beef in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the green onion, if using. Gently mix the beef to distribute the seasoning and onions. Divide your ground beef into four equal portions. Roll into a ball then place onto a cutting board or other clean work surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently press the burger to between ¼ and ½ inch thickness.

At this time, you can cook your burgers immediately, or refrigerate them for later. Right before cooking, sprinkle evenly with a small amount of kosher salt.

To cook:

In a skillet: Heat skillet to medium heat; place burgers in the pan without crowding. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook them in batches. Once you place the burger, don’t move it for three minutes. This allows the crust to form. Flip burger, top with cheese and cook until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining burgers.

Under the broiler: Place oven rack to highest position and preheat broiler to high. Place burgers on broiler pan (foil-lined if desired) and place under broiler. Broil for three minutes or until top is well browned and beginning to char. Flip patties and continue to broil for two minutes. Top each patty with a slice of cheese, place back under broiler for 25 seconds to melt.

On a grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush the burgers with oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place on grill, without moving for three minutes on the first side, then flip, add cheese and grill for two minutes more.

Place on buns, top as desired and serve.

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is a recipe developer and food writer of the website “Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous!” Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Summer is a time to be safe

It’s a safe bet that the one thing we all have in common every summer is managing the extreme heat and our body’s reaction to the excessive temperature prevalent in our geographic location.

Free fishing fun

Logan Davis, along with his kids Winter and Maverick, tried their best to catch a fish Saturday, along with all the many others who enjoyed the city’s free fishing day at the pond at Veterans Memorial Park.

Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places

Individuals camping in public spaces has increased dramatically in the past few years across the nation. On May 27 the city of Boulder City joined the cities of Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks, along with Clark, Washoe, and Nye counties in passing a measure to expand the prohibition on camping in public places within city limits. The new ordinance goes into effect on June 19, 2025.

And all that jazz (in the park)

A relatively small but appreciative crowd turned out Saturday evening for Jazz in the Park, sponsored by the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department and the Las Vegas Jazz Society. The evening featured the Marlane Coker Quintet and guest at Bicentennial Park.

Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs

When it comes to plumbing clogs, we can definitely apply the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…or in this case, a quart of Liquid Plumr.

Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro

Connie Ferraro has worn many hats in her life. They have included Broadway dancer, actress, wife of longtime Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and these days, artist.

Year ending on high note at Mitchell Elementary

From the first day to the last, it takes a great deal of energy to get through a school year. The students, staff, and families are ceaseless in their efforts to ensure that we have a great year from beginning to end. We are successful because we are supported by our community.

Mental health in an aging population

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviors.

Sunflower Breakfast celebrates King’s parent volunteers

Boulder City’s commitment to community was on full display at this year’s annual Sunflower Breakfast, a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring the incredible volunteers who help our school thrive.

Reframing language in mental health

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.