Introduction
Patties are a staple in American cuisine, especially when it comes to burgers. These beef patties are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re using them for homemade burgers or serving them with sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or salad, these patties are a hit with all ages.
📝 Ingredients
- 500g ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional – for binding)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or coriander (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons oil or butter (for frying)
🍽 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or grill
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Plate with paper towels
🔧 Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
1. Take a large mixing bowl and add the ground beef.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and all the dry spices (salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes).
3. Break the egg into the bowl – this helps to bind the mixture.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce and mustard.
5. Add breadcrumbs if needed – especially if the mixture is too wet.
6. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined.
7. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
1. Take the mixture out of the fridge.
2. Wet your hands slightly and divide the mix into 4–6 equal portions.
3. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it gently to form a round patty – about 1 cm thick.
4. Press the center of each patty slightly with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up while cooking.
Step 3: Cooking the Patties
Option 1: Pan-Frying
1. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter.
2. Place patties in the pan – don’t overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
3. Cook each side for about 4–5 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
4. Flip only once to maintain juiciness. Use a spatula.
5. Once cooked, remove from the pan and place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Option 2: Grilling
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush patties lightly with oil.
3. Grill patties for 3–4 minutes on each side.
4. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking – it squeezes out the juices.
5. Remove and rest for a couple of minutes.
*🍔 Patties Serving Suggestions
- Serve inside burger buns with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite sauce.
- Use with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a healthier meal.
- Place on a plate with fries and coleslaw for a classic diner-style meal.
- Make a double-decker burger with two patties stacked for extra fun.
🧀 Optional Additions
- Add grated cheese into the mixture for cheesy patties.
- Mix in finely chopped bell pepper or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for leaner options.
- Use BBQ sauce instead of mustard for a smoky flavor.
- Add a slice of cheese on top while still hot to melt.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overwork the meat – it can make the patties tough.
- Let the patties rest after cooking for a few minutes before serving.
You can freeze raw patties by separating them with parchment paper.
- Always cook meat to a safe internal temperature (around 160°F / 70°C).
- If grilling, oil the grill grates to avoid sticking.
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📦 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap raw or cooked patties and store up to 1 month. Reheat on pan or microwave.
Conclusion
These homemade American-style patties are juicy, flavorful, and easy to customize. Perfect for burgers or even as a main dish, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-style food right from your kitchen. With only a few basic ingredients, you can create something truly satisfying.