Recipe: The Perfect Hamburger

THE PERFECT HAMBURGER

1 lb. ground chuck or ground lean beef
2 Tbsp. finely chopped yellow onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 or 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
4 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese (optional)
4 hamburger buns, split
TO SERVE:
Sliced tomato
Sliced sweet white onion, such as Maui, Vidalia or Walla Walla
Torn lettuce
Sliced dill pickle
Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard or other condiments of your choice for serving

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, mix together the beef, yellow onion, garlic, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into 4 patties, each 3⁄4 inch thick.

Grill the hamburgers directly over medium-high heat, turning once, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Check for doneness by cutting into a hamburger near the center or testing with an instant-read thermometer. No pink should show on the inside, and the internal temperature should register at least 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

If making cheeseburgers, place a slice of cheese on top of each hamburger during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, toast the hamburger buns, cut side down, on the grill.

Serve the hamburgers on the buns with tomato, white onion, lettuce, dill pickle and condiments.

Servings: 4