Billions of people around the world love burgers and so do we. Let’s take a closer look at this fast food favourite and provide some juicy ideas on how to take yours to the next level.
According to research, around 2.5 billion beef burgers are eaten in the UK every year, and 50 billion in the US!
We eat them in restaurants, grab them from parked vans, dance with them at music festivals and where would the summer BBQ be without a burger?
Like all classic fast foods, they’re easy to hold, convenient to eat and very, very tasty. There’s little to beat that burger smell wafting through the air, a hint of onions, the tang of ketchup and the prospect of cheese melting slowly over a juicy, sizzling patty.
Let’s eat
The history of the burger is murky, starting somewhere around the 19th century and involving either German sailors or US restaurant owners. Let’s not worry about that too much and focus instead on what really matters: eating them.
When you’re in a hurry or feeding a large crowd, pre-bought burgers are an excellent option. The Co-op serves up a number of delicious options including classic quarter pounders, our gourmet Irresistible burgers or The Incredible Burger from our vegan GRO range.
Co-op British 4 Beef Quarter Pounder Burgers 454g
Co-op Irresistible Hereford Beef Burgers 340g
Co-op GRO The Incredible Burger 210g
For the budding chef, burgers are both fun and simple to make. And the best bit is you can tailor them to your own tastes.
It all starts here
Amazing recipes start with the basics and we’ve put together your essential burger recipe right here. Everything you do will be an improvisation around this starting point and, as you’ll see, it’s pretty straightforward.
Take a look now and come back to see how we can raise your basic burger to the next level.
8 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BURGERS AMAZING
The following tips mainly apply to beef burgers but are also relevant for other types of burgers…
You don’t need lean
One of the biggest challenges in making burgers is avoiding a dry end product. Therefore, try to choose mincemeat that has a little fat in it – 20% is a good level. This will help ensure your burger sizzles rather than shrinks when the cooking begins.
Binding matters
Mincemeat by itself tends to fall apart. We recommended adding one egg and a handful of breadcrumbs to your mix. They might not be ingredients immediately associated with burgers, but they are the hidden heroes that hold everything together.
Season in style
Pepper brings out the best in most burgers while a little garlic powder or paprika can provide an added Va Va Voom. Milder meats such as turkey and chicken can also take more seasoning. Be cautious with the salt. It can dry things up quickly.
Avoid burger bobble
A general rule for your burger ingredients is to chop them up as small as possible. In that way you’ll end up with a burger that is smoother and more tempting. Nobody really wants a large piece of onion hanging out of their patty.
And don’t dish up a dangler
How big are your buns? You want a burger that fills the space almost perfectly with no overhang. And you don’t want people biting into the bun wondering where the actual filling has gone. Don’t forget burgers shrink a little when cooking so take that into account.
Feel free to cheat
Some people have the artistic ability to shape a perfectly round patty with their hands. We salute these Michelangelos, but a small investment in a burger maker will save time and guarantee a circle. At the very least you won’t end up with a lump of meat that could be displayed in a modern art museum.
Be creative
What else can you put in your burger mix? Sweetcorn, mint, cheese that melts inside the burger. Peas, beans or cashew nuts? Think of what you love and give it a go because life’s about having fun.
Try new toppings
Where to begin? Everyone has their favourite. Open the fridge and see what else could work: tzatziki, hummus, mayo or miso. Experiment with different cheeses or dollop on the coleslaw. Just don’t let anyone tell you what should or shouldn’t go on your burger.
Embrace the freedom
One of the big reasons we love burgers is because they reflect ourselves in many ways. And when we make our own it says something about who we are. Express yourself and embrace the freedom burgers offer.
And we’ll have classic American mustard on top of ours please!