How to grill yourself a perfect Independence Day burger.
By Sue Farley, photography by Gregoire Glachant.

Celebrating the 4th of July, the day that the USA was born, when 13 American colonies came together to announce their independence from Great Britain, is the highlight of every summer season there. A parade in the morning, a barbeque in the afternoon, copious amounts of beer and a fireworks display at night make for a perfect day. But a great hamburger is hard to find. Do yourself a favor and make it at home.

Serious Sizzle

The beauty of a hamburger is you can add all kinds of ingredients and throw on plenty of toppings to suit your tastes. But, for a really good burger, there are a few key things to remember.

1. The Meat

Don’t try to use ground sirloin, or lean ground beef. A great hamburger needs fat and flavor, and you get that with a cut of beef called chuck. And freshly ground chuck from your butcher is the best.

2. The Bun

Standard buns in plastic bags are too soft and bland. Try using rolls, foccacia or ciabatta.

3. The Extras

Keep things simple. I usually don’t add cheese since it often takes away from the flavor and texture of the meat.

The Perfect Burger

Get This

●  750 grams of coarsely ground beef chuck
●  Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper
●  Four hamburger buns, split and lightly grilled or toasted
●  Lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

Do This

You want to handle the meat as little as possible to avoid compressing it; shape it lightly into four burgers about three centimeters high, six centimeters across, sprinkling generously with salt as you go.

     Start a charcoal or wood fire or preheat a gas grill; if you are cooking on a stove top, preheat a large, heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over a medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle its surface with coarse salt. Whatever you use, make sure that fire is hot.

     Place the patties on an oiled grill top and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare. If you cook the meat until well done, it will always end up tasting dry.

Add This

I said to keep things simple, but you can try these extras:
● 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, basil, chervil or other herbs
● ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
● 1 tablespoon minced anchovies
● 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger or ground ginger
● 1 tablespoon soy, Worcestershire, or steak sauce
● ¼ cup minced onion, shallot, or green onion
● Tabasco or other hot sauce
● 1 teaspoon curry powder, chili powder or flakes
 Along with the burger, there are dozens of great side dishes that are always on hand. Since you are already grilling, use the fire for other grilled dishes, like corn on the cob or grilled skewered vegetables.

Sue Farley is a food consultant. Email her at farley.sue@gmail.com