American Hamburger Recipe

Each year, Americans consume about 38 billion hamburgers. An enduring favorite, hamburgers are an iconic American food.

But what do Americans define as the classic American hamburger? 

According to the recent survey conducted by the Caravan Opinion Research Corporation for The Johnny Rockets Group restaurant chain, Americans still prefer the classics. 

Despite the advent of gourmet hamburgers, 74 percent of Americans believe the cheeseburger best embodies the classic American hamburger. 

Eighty-six percent of Americans also prefer beef hamburgers over turkey or veggie patties. 

When it comes to toppings, most respondents agree simplicity is key, with 40 percent choosing raw onions over grilled.

What is the secret to cooking your own classic cheeseburger? 

"From my personal experience, the best way to create that mouthwatering balance of beef and cheese is to grill the meat with the cheese on top," says Mike Shumsky, Johnny Rockets chairman and chief executive officer. "A true cheeseburger connoisseur will wait until the meat is fully cooked, then add a slice of cheese and cover for 30 seconds so that the cheese melts perfectly."

Here's a recipe for the restaurant's classic cheeseburger, the Rocket Single:

Rocket Single

• Hamburger bun
• Special sauce (mix Thousand Island dressing, Dijon mustard and hot sauce to taste) 
• 1 slice of cheddar cheese
• 1/3 lb. fresh ground beef, seasoned, hand-pressed and grilled
• Fresh lettuce
• Ripe tomato
• Onion (sliced)

Grill the hamburger, according to preference, until its internal temperature reaches 160º F. Place cheese on top and cover for another 30 seconds. Place in a bun. Mix dressing and spread it on the bun. Layer on tomato, lettuce and onion. 

How do you make a hamburger a classic? Grill the meat with the cheese on the top, says one popular hamburger chain. Cover for 30 seconds to make the cheese melt perfectly.

Burger Tips for Barbecue Success

Summer and fall - and the long weekends in-between - are ideal times to fire up the grill and bring the family together for some outdoor fun.

Burgers, the quintessential barbecue fare, are among America's all-time favorite foods. For variety, top them with unconventional fixings, such as avocado slices, arugula, salsa and fresh basil.

For the best taste and optimum freshness, connoisseurs recommend organic ground beef. 

"USDA-certified organic ground beef is made from animals that have not been injected with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, and that eat food free of animal byproducts and grown without pesticides," said Michael Levine, president of Organic Prairie Family of Farms, one of the nation's leading cooperatives of organic farmers and providers of organic meat.

Here are some burger-making tips from Organic Prairie. 

* For best flavor, use 85 percent lean ground beef. If you choose leaner meat, add a splash of tomato juice or Worcestershire sauce to increase flavor and moisture.

* Finely mince any garlic, onions or other vegetables that will be mixed into the meat. Larger chunks will make the burger fall apart on the grill.

* Wet clean hands prior to making the patties. The patties should be formed loosely, not packed or pressed, and should be about one-half-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun.

Try this Mediterranean-inspired burger recipe at your next family barbecue.

GREEK GOURMET BURGER

(Makes 6 servings)

• 1 1/2 pounds Organic Prairie ground beef (thawed)
• 1 1/2 medium green onion (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup tomato (chopped)
• 1/4 cup organic feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (ground)

In a large glass bowl, mix all ingredients. Cover and chill for 1 hour to allow flavors to mingle.

Form into 6 patties. Cook over medium-high heat for 6 minutes on each side for medium doneness. Serve over seasonal greens.

Japanese Wafu Burger Recipe

"These traditional Japanese hamburgers are eaten without a bun. Shiitake mushrooms and tofu make them moist without falling apart, and a mirin glaze adds extra flavor. Absolutely delicious! I like to eat these with cooked daikon (Japanese radish) and rice."

Prep Time  : 25 Min
Cook Time : 20 Min
Ready In    : 45 Min

Served for  : 6 people

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place the block of tofu onto a plate and place another plate on top. Set a 3 to 5 pound weight on top (a container filled with water works well). Press the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain off and discard the accumulated liquid. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Combine the tofu, ground beef, shiitake mushrooms, miso paste, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Divide into 6 balls, and flatten into patties.
3. Stir together the mirin, soy sauce, garlic paste, and ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the burgers on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to low; cover the pan and cook until the juices run clear, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.
5. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan. Keep moving the pan so the sauce doesn't burn, and flip the burgers occasionally to coat both sides with the sauce. The sauce will thicken and create a shiny glaze on the burgers. When all the sauce has been used up, the burgers are ready.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Japanese-Wafu-Burger/Detail.aspx