Steaming Hamburgers: How Long Does It Really Take?

Steaming is an unusual way to cook a hamburger, but it's a great option if you want to avoid the mess of grease splatters and still end up with a juicy, tender burger. The cooking time will depend on your equipment and whether you want your burger rare, medium, or well done. For example, one recipe for an Instant Pot steamed cheeseburger recommends cooking the patty for just one minute, while another recipe for a stovetop burger recommends 6-10 minutes for a medium-rare to well-done burger.

Steaming a hamburger for 7 minutes

Steaming a hamburger is a great way to cook a juicy burger without the mess of grease splatters. This method of cooking is inspired by the steamed cheeseburgers served at Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, Connecticut.

To steam a hamburger for seven minutes, you will need a steaming apparatus. This can be a large pot or Dutch oven, a metal vegetable steamer, or a deep skillet with a cooling rack. You will also need water, ground beef, and any desired seasonings and toppings.

First, fill your chosen vessel with water, ensuring it comes close to the bottom of the steamer or rack but does not touch it. Then, add your chosen seasonings to the ground beef and form it into patties. Place the patties on the rack or steamer and cover the vessel.

Turn on the heat and allow the water to come to a boil. Once the water is boiling, set a timer for seven minutes and begin steaming your hamburgers. After seven minutes, turn off the heat and quickly add cheese to the burgers if desired. Cover the vessel again and allow the cheese to melt, which should take about two minutes.

While the cheese is melting, prepare your hamburger buns and toppings. Once the cheese has melted, use a spatula to transfer the burgers to the bottom buns. Place the roll tops on the burgers and serve immediately while they are still hot.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy steamed hamburgers ready to be enjoyed.

Adding cheese to the hamburger

Steaming hamburgers is a great way to cook juicy and tender burgers without the mess of grease splatter. This method of cooking is believed to have originated in Connecticut in the 1920s and has since become a state delicacy.

When making steamed hamburgers, it is important to consider the type of cheese you will be using. Some cheeses, like American cheese or Velveeta, melt more easily than others. However, you can use any type of cheese that suits your taste, such as Swiss, Muenster, or cheddar. If you are using a harder cheese like cheddar, it is recommended to shred or slice it thinly to ensure it melts easily.

To add cheese to your steamed hamburger, follow these steps:

• After forming your beef patties, poke a few dents in them. This will help with the cheese distribution as it melts.
• Place the patties in the steamer and cook for about 7-10 minutes.
• Once the desired cooking time is reached, turn off the heat and quickly top each burger with a slice of cheese.
• Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt for about 1-2 minutes.
• While the cheese is melting, prepare your hamburger buns and desired toppings.
• When the cheese is melted, assemble your burger by placing the patty on the bottom bun and adding your desired toppings.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cheese is melted to your desired consistency without overcooking your hamburger.

Melting cheese on the hamburger

To make a steamed cheeseburger, you'll need ground beef, cheese, seasoning, and a steamer. You can use a store-bought steamer or make your own using a large pot or frying pan, a metal rack, and a lid.

First, prepare your steamer by adding water to a level just below the rack. Then, heat the water on high heat until it starts to steam, before reducing the heat to medium.

While you're waiting for the water to boil, prepare your beef patties. For four burgers, mix 1.5 pounds of ground beef with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into four patties, making a few dents in each one—this will help the cheese melt into the meat.

Once the water is boiling, place the patties on the rack, cover the pan, and steam for about seven minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and quickly add a slice of cheese to each patty. Cover the pan again and allow the cheese to melt for about two minutes.

While the cheese is melting, prepare your burger buns. Warm the buns in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them if you prefer. Spread your condiments of choice on the bottom buns, and then add the patties. Top with the bun lids and serve immediately.

For the best melting results, use American cheese, Velveeta, Swiss, Muenster, or shredded cheddar. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, but older, drier cheeses may not melt as well. If you're using a drier cheese, try grating it so that the steam can flow easily around it.

Preparing the buns

Choosing the Right Buns:

Select soft and fresh hamburger buns that complement the steamed cheeseburger. Brioche buns are an excellent choice for a more gourmet touch, but you can also choose classic soft hamburger buns or any other variety that suits your preference.

Warming the Buns:

To ensure your buns are soft and slightly toasted, you can warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds. Alternatively, you can toast them to your desired level of crispness. This step ensures that the buns are not too hard or cold, creating a harmonious texture when paired with the juicy steamed patty.

Assembling the Buns:

Place the bottom buns on plates. This step allows you to add condiments and prepare the buns for the upcoming juicy patty. You can spread your favourite sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, creating a flavourful base for your hamburger.

Placing the Patty:

Once the cheese has melted on the patty, use a spatula to carefully transfer the juicy, steamed hamburger onto the prepared bottom buns. This step ensures that the patty is securely placed, avoiding any mess or mishaps.

Adding the Top Bun:

After placing the patty, gently place the top bun on top of the hamburger. This completes the assembly of your steamed cheeseburger. The warm and soft buns now envelop the juicy patty, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Serving the Hamburger:

Serve your freshly steamed hamburger immediately while it is still piping hot. This ensures that the cheese remains melted, and the overall temperature of the dish is just right. You can also add extra toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, or pickles, to enhance the flavour and texture of your steamed cheeseburger.

Serving the hamburger

Once your hamburger is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it!

First, place the patty on the bottom bun. If you're a fan of melted cheese, now is the time to add a slice on top of the patty and let it melt into the crevices. You can also add a slice of onion, either on top of the patty or underneath. If you're feeling extra indulgent, add some shredded cheese on top of the onion for an extra gooey bite.

Next, it's time to dress your burger. The beauty of a hamburger is that it's a blank canvas that you can customize to your heart's content. Start with a spread of your favourite condiment—maybe a tangy mustard or a creamy mayonnaise. Then, pile on the toppings. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and sliced onions are all classic choices, but feel free to get creative. Jalapenos, sauteed mushrooms, or even a fried egg can take your burger to the next level.

Finally, carefully place the top bun on your masterpiece, and secure it with a toothpick if needed. Serve your hamburger immediately while it's still hot, and don't forget to offer a side of fries or onion rings for the full experience!

Frequently asked questions