Cheeseburgers and Recipes: What You Need to Know – Samsung Food

Cheeseburgers are probably one of the most adaptable, and well-known dishes in the world. Whether you’re in Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand, Uruguay, or anywhere else in the world, you probably have had one! And more than that, each place has their own cheeseburger recipe of some sort – even if it’s not the traditional, All-American style cheeseburger we’ve all come to know from McDonalds.

Origin of Cheeseburgers

The origin of the cheeseburger is a bit of a mystery, with different sources claiming credit. You’d think cheeseburgers would be American through and through, and you’d be right. But it isn’t that simple. Everyone is trying to stake their claim to this classic dish!

One story claims that Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in 1924 at his father’s Pasadena dry goods store, The Rite Spot. Another story claims that cheeseburgers were invented by a chef named Carl Kaelin, who added a slice of cheese on a burger at his restaurant, Kaelin’s, in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1930s.

Despite the lack of consensus on the origin of cheeseburgers, there is no denying their popularity. Cheeseburgers are now one of the most popular foods in America and are available in almost every fast-food chain around the world.

Making Delicious Cheeseburgers at Home

We all know you can grab a great cheeseburger from a local takeout or restaurant, but you can make great ones at home too. In fact, they might even be better than the ones you can buy. Yep, bold claim! But we’re sticking to it.

1. The foundation of flavor for your cheeseburger

According to a Washington Post article in 2013, the perfect mixture of fat and the flavor or the “umami” is what we really crave for in a cheeseburger. And one of the ingredients where fat can be found is in a cheeseburger’s patty.

Maybe that’s one of the secret formulas to a Krabby Patty? 🍔

What is the ideal fat-to-lean ratio for a burger patty?

If you’re curious about the ideal ratio, food experts say that an 80/20 ratio is ideal for the perfect flavor which means 80% lean meat, and 20% fat. It shouldn’t be too lean, as your burger will lack moisture and might get easily burned when you cook it in a griddle and will have a higher chance of falling apart. And it shouldn’t be too fatty, as it will be too greasy.

How do I achieve the 80/20 burger patty ratio?

Though there is no perfect way to measure this, there are some cuts that you can try. One option is to just try buying regular ground beef (not lean). Or you can select the cut to be grinded. In this case, try going for beef chuck which is typically from a cow’s neck and shoulders.

Another way to do it is by mixing different cuts from the beef. So if you’re trying to create a 6-ounce burger patty, then you can try getting 80% of the meat from a leaner cut such as sirloin or round roast, and the remaining 20% from a cut with higher fat content such as rib eye, or some fat trimmings from beef. 

For those who do not eat red meat, there’s also an option to explore alternative patty options like turkey, chicken, or vegetarian alternatives.

2. Mastering the *Sizzle*: Cooking Techniques

We can all just imagine that sizzling sound when Spongebob perfectly pan-fries a Krabby patty. And that’s actually just one of the ways to cook it. Grilling is the most popular way to cook a burger patty – and arguably one of the tastiest, but you don’t have to stick to tradition. You could try broiling, steaming, air frying, or doing it the “smashed burger” way.

Just make sure you follow the recipe and get that sear on the burger if you are grilling!

3. Choosing Your Melting Bliss: The Cheese

Of course, you cannot call it a cheeseburger, without the cheese!

American cheese is the most commonly used cheese in cheeseburgers. But other cheese varieties can add a unique flavor to the dish. Brie goes great with chutney or avo, a sharp cheddar is perfect for red onions, and pepper jack is amazing with tomato salsa.

Burger joints these days experiment with different cheese varieties and even mix in extras like Jalapenos or Paprika to create unique flavor combinations.

Types of Cheese Used in Cheeseburgers

Cheeseburgers come in different variations, with different types of cheese used in them. Some popular cheese varieties used in cheeseburgers include:

• Cheddar Cheese
• Swiss Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Gouda Cheese

What makes the cheese so important in a cheeseburger?

We already mentioned that “umami” is one of the main things that makes a cheeseburger great. Umami means “delicious” in Japanese. But it actually be described as “savory” or the harmonious mixture of sweet, sour, salty and bitterness.

Dairy products such as cheese contain glutamate. This is one of the compounds that binds to our taste buds and helps us to experience the savory sensation of umami. This is why your choice of cheese can also make or break your cheeseburger. It can take your cheeseburger from good to gourmet level! Plus, a cheeseburger wouldn’t be too impressive without the cheese, let’s be honest!

4. The Perfect Buns

A cheeseburger’s journey is incomplete without the perfect bun to carry it. Just think about it – throwing the perfect patty on white sandwich bread would ruin the experience. Getting the bun right is crucial!

You can choose from different types of buns. You can choose the plain and classic hamburger bun, or a sesame bun for added texture and flavor, and go as fat from trying a ciabatta or brioche, to sturdy pretzel buns.

Best Cheeseburger Toppings and Condiments

One of the ways to get even more of that umami goodness is by exploring different textures and flavors to add to your cheese burger. Some great options include:

• Tomato, lettuce and onions
• Pickles
• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Crispy bacon

And any perfect cheeseburger recipe also has the right condiments. You can explore classic and inventive choices like ketchup, mayo, mustard, and even aioli.

Perfect Sides and Pairings for Cheeseburgers

Another of the things that complete a cheeseburger experience is by properly choosing the sides. You can try:

• Classic golden fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw

Plus, ou can even explore different beverages to pair with your meal:

• Soda
• Craft beers
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Milkshake

Health Benefits and Risks

As delicious as cheeseburgers are, they are not the healthiest food option. Usually, cheeseburgers are high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, if consumed in moderation, cheeseburgers can provide some health benefits too.

The beef patty used in cheeseburgers is a good source of protein and iron, while the cheese is a good source of calcium. There are many ways to make a cheeseburger healthier. You can use leaner cuts of meat, opt for whole wheat buns, load up on fresh veggies, and choose low-fat cheese options. Additionally, you can incorporate alternative protein sources like turkey or chicken patties.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheeseburgers

Conclusion

Cheeseburgers are a staple in American cuisine and have slowly made their way into the hearts of food lovers all around the world. Whether you love a classic cheeseburger or are daring enough to try a unique flavor combination, cheeseburgers are a dish that can be tailored to suit your taste buds. However, it is important to remember that cheeseburgers should be consumed in moderation and can be made healthier by using the right ingredients.