Steaming Secrets: Perfectly Cooked Burgers

Steamed burgers are a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to traditional fried or grilled burgers. They are also healthier, as the fat drains away during the steaming process, leaving you with a juicy, tender, and flavourful burger without the grease splatters. This method of cooking is also convenient, as it requires minimal clean-up. You can make steamed burgers on the stovetop, in a Ninja Cooking System, or even in the oven.

How to prepare the beef for steaming

Preparing the beef for steaming is a simple process. First, gather your ingredients: ground beef, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you may want to add. You can also add dehydrated onions to the mix, or even soy sauce, onion powder, and tomato paste.

Next, combine the ground beef with your chosen seasonings in a bowl. Use your hands to mix it all together, but be careful not to overwork the meat. You want to mix it just enough to incorporate the seasonings evenly.

After the beef is seasoned, it's time to form the patties. Divide the seasoned beef into equal portions, depending on how many burgers you want to make. Gently flatten each portion into a patty shape, slightly bigger than your burger buns. You can also press a shallow divot in the center of each patty to help them keep their shape during cooking.

Now your beef is prepared and ready for steaming! Place the patties into your steaming setup and follow your preferred recipe for cooking instructions.

How to steam the beef

Steaming burgers is a great way to cook them without creating a mess of grease splatters. The fat is drained away in the steam bath, leaving you with incredibly juicy and moist burgers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam the beef for the perfect steamed burger:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Firstly, you will need to prepare your ground beef. Different recipes suggest different types of ground beef, but most recommend 80% lean ground beef chuck. You will need around 12-16 ounces of meat to make two to three burgers. You can add some extra ingredients to your meat to enhance the flavour. Some recipes suggest adding dehydrated onions, garlic powder, soy sauce, onion powder, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix your chosen ingredients together with the beef in a bowl. Be careful not to overmix the meat, just mix enough to incorporate the seasoning.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide your seasoned beef into equal-sized balls, depending on how many burgers you are making. Gently flatten the balls into patties that are slightly bigger than your buns. Most recipes suggest a thickness of around 3/4 of an inch. You can also press a shallow divot in the centre of each patty to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Set Up Your Steamer

To steam your burgers, you will need a pot or frying pan with a lid, a steamer basket, and a metal rack that fits inside your pot or pan. Place the metal rack at the bottom of your pot or pan. Add water to the pot, filling it to just below the rack. You will need enough water to create steam, but be careful not to fill it so high that the water touches the steamer basket or the burgers.

Step 4: Steam the Burgers

Place your steamer basket on top of the pot or pan, and lay your burgers inside. Cover the pot and turn the heat to high. Heat the water until it begins to steam, then reduce the heat to medium. Steam your burgers for around 8-10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on how well done you like your burgers. For a medium burger, cook for 7 minutes, and for medium-well, cook for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

Once your burgers are cooked to your liking, you can add cheese if desired. Place slices of cheese on top of each burger, cover the pot, and allow the cheese to melt. This should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Now you have perfectly steamed beef patties for your burgers! You can serve them on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

How to prepare the cheese for melting

The cheese you choose for your steamed burger is important. While you can use any cheese you like, some melt better than others. For a classic, American cheese is a good option. It melts quickly and evenly, and its mild flavour won't overpower the burger.

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, consider a younger cheddar, mozzarella, brie, or provolone. These cheeses melt well and offer a range of flavours that complement the beef. For a sharper flavour, go for a mature cheddar, but be aware that it may take a little longer to melt and might not disperse as evenly.

For a real treat, try steaming your cheese! This method heats the cheese evenly and slowly melts it into a gooey, lava-like substance that perfectly coats your patty. To do this, grate your chosen cheese and place it in a small bowl inside your steamer. The steam will add moisture to the cheese, helping it to melt smoothly.

Another way to improve the melt of your cheese is to add an emulsifier. Try tossing your grated cheese with a small amount of Gold Medal's Wondra flour, an instant flour that absorbs water quickly and helps form a smooth emulsion. You can also add a teaspoon of heavy cream or milk per ounce of grated cheese to further improve meltability.

Now that you know how to prepare your cheese, it's time to assemble your burger! Place your patty on a bun, top it with your perfectly melted cheese, and finish it off with your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

How to assemble the burger

To assemble the perfect steamed burger, you'll need to start with a great bun. Buttered and lightly toasted buns are a classic choice, but you can also opt for fluffy Hawaiian rolls or a hard roll, depending on your preference.

Next, it's time to prepare your toppings. The traditional steamed burger is often served with thick slices of cheddar cheese—place these on the patty while it's still hot so that the cheese melts slightly. You can also add some chopped raw onion, or sautéed onions, for extra flavour.

After that, it's time to build your burger. Place the patty with its melted cheese and onions on the bun. You can then add your favourite condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise. If you're feeling extra indulgent, add some crispy bacon, or spicy bread and butter pickles.

Finally, place the top bun on your burger, and you're ready to serve! You can also add a side of fries, either frozen or homemade, to complete the meal.

How to serve the steamed burger

Once your steamed burgers are ready, it's time to serve them! Here are some detailed steps to help you serve delicious steamed burgers:

Prepare the Buns:

First, prepare the buns by lightly toasting them. You can also butter the buns before toasting for extra flavour. It is recommended to toast the buns so they can withstand the juices from the burger and toppings without getting soggy.

Assemble the Burger:

Place the steamed burger patty on the bottom half of the bun. At this point, you can also add a slice of cheese to the patty and let it melt. You can use a variety of cheese types, such as cheddar, American cheese, or any other cheese of your choice.

Add Toppings:

Now, it's time to add your favourite toppings! You can add a variety of toppings to your steamed burger, such as:

• Sauteed onions: Cooking the onions enhances their flavour and adds a sweet touch to your burger.
• Pickles: Spicy bread and butter pickles add a crunchy and tangy element to the burger.
• Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes can add freshness and a juicy bite to your burger.
• Lettuce: For a healthy crunch, add some shredded lettuce.
• Condiments: You can offer a variety of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. These can be spread directly on the bun or served on the side.

Serve with Sides:

Steamed burgers are often served with a side of fries, either frozen or homemade. You can also offer other side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Final Touches:

Before serving, make sure to ask your guests about their preferences. You can provide a variety of options and let them customise their burgers. It's also a good idea to have extra toppings and condiments on hand, so guests can add more to their burgers if desired.

Now, your delicious steamed burgers are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions