Donnas Seasoned Hamburger Patties Recipes

HOW TO SEASON HAMBURGER PATTIES

Steps:

• So I might be the last one on the planet to do it this way --
• In the past, I've seasoned hamburger patties on the grill -- while they were grilling. And while it works, it wasn't going to work for me last weekend when we were having a bunch of family over for dinner. I wanted to prep as much as I could ahead of time so that I could enjoy them while they were at our house, instead of running around my kitchen like a chicken without a head (sorry, bad visual!) -- so this is what happened.
• As I was getting everything out, I though, "Why not season the bottom of the cookie sheet first so that both sides of the patties can be grilled before they hit the grill?".
• So that's what I did. Sprinkle seasoning on the cookie sheet. Make patties and then put them on top of the seasoning and move around a little to "catch it all" and waste as little as possible. Sprinkle more on top and voila.
• Ready for the grill. (Or refrigerator, in my case -- as I was making them up early in the afternoon long before everyone arrived. This is what happens when there is a baby in the house -- you get stuff done while they are sleeping, even if that means making dinner at 2pm!).
• And while I didn't get all scientific about it, it seemed to me that the seasoning stuck to the burger better and less fell through into the grill!
• How about you? How do you season hamburger patties?

BEST EVER COOKOUT HAMBURGER PATTIES

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients.
• Shape into 4 patties, about 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Place in square baking dish 8 x 8 x 2-inches.
• If desired, brush each patty with additional catsup.
• Cover loosely and microwave on high (100%) 5 minutes; turn dish one-quarter turn.
• Microwave until done, 2 to 3 minutes.
• ALTERNATE COOKING METHOD: Grill to desired doneness.

HAMBURGERS

Steps:

• Chop garlic cloves on wooden surface then put in mortar and pestle.
• Add salt and olive oil and make a paste.
• Add this to the meat along with the Worcestershire and horseradish.
• Mix everything and adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
• When you make the patties place an indention in the middle of each one with your thumb (almost all the way through). This keeps the burgers from shrinking. We like ours thick and I like them to stay that way!
• Salt and Pepper according to taste when done.
• An added note on 04-03-06 - Thank you all for your positive feedback. It's nice to get confirmation on something I thought was good and different.
• Please note that I usually add more ingredients than what is called for above. I nuke a tiny hamburger (meatball size) and taste. I usually add more of everything. The horseradish does not taste like horseradish when cooked. It gives it a flavor note that otherwise wouldn't be there. Unless you are allergic to it, please try it.

HAMBURGER PATTIES

Steps:

• Sometimes I vary the seasonings- using a steak seasoning or Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper.
• Mix ingredients with your hands using a light touch.
• Don't be tempted to overmix.
• If you do, it becomes too dense.
• When charcoal grilling, add 1/2 cup water to the beef mixture to keep it from drying out.
• For pan frying, don't use a nonstick pan- it won't brown as well, and heat some oil in the pan before adding burgers to keep the burgers from sticking and to help sear and form a nice brown, crispy exterior.
• Either method will take about 10- 12 minutes of cooking time, depending on thickness of patty, temperature of heat source and your preference (we like ours medium cooked).
• Note: when pan-frying don't be tempted to press down and squeeze all the juice out, just turn them more often (turn only once on the grill).