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Hamburgers are the king of fast food, loved around the world.
Hamburgers are full of various charms, including their history, how they are made, and regional characteristics.
This article introduces all the charms of such hamburgers.
It is full of tips to deepen your knowledge and make your next meal even more enjoyable.
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What is a hamburger?
A hamburger is “ground meat in buns,” from fast food to gourmet, with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
The History of the Hamburger
The origins of hamburgers can be traced back to North Asia (northern Eurasia), including Russia.
It all began with nomadic people called the Tatars.
In order to make the most of their limited food supplies, they used horses and their own body weight to soften tough mutton scraps and other meats. This later became the prototype for hamburgers, known as “tartare steak.”
However, although this tartare steak is called steak, it is apparently eaten uncooked, like yukhoe.
It was brought to European countries in its original form and enjoyed mixed with spices and other ingredients.
As for when it became common to bake and eat it as we do today, the details are unclear.
Tartar steak, which came to be enjoyed in this way, was introduced via the shipping route between Germany and America that was established around the 18th to 19th centuries. It was here that it finally came to be called “hamburger,” due to its German origins in Hamburg.
Later, in the early 20th century, it began to be eaten sandwiched between bread at a diner in Connecticut. This is how the hamburger took its current form. Incidentally, the origin of the name “hamburger” is also unclear.
Types of hamburgers
There are various hamburger brands around the world, such as McDonald's and Burger King, but here I would like to introduce the different types.
Classic Burger
This is the most basic style, consisting of a beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and other ingredients, seasoned with ketchup and mustard. Since the combination of ingredients is simple, the difference lies in how well the patty is cooked and the aroma of the bun.
Cheese Burger
This popular menu item is made by placing cheese on the patty just before it is cooked, melting it, and adding richness and creaminess. The flavor varies depending on the type of cheese used, such as cheddar, American, or Swiss cheese, so even though it is the same cheeseburger, you can enjoy a variety of flavors.
Bacon Cheese Burger
This style enhances the umami and saltiness by adding crispy bacon to a cheeseburger. The aroma and texture of the bacon adds a nice accent, making it especially popular among meat lovers.
Double/Triple Burger
This type consists of two or three patties stacked on top of each other for maximum volume. The meat is overwhelmingly present, making it popular among those who prioritize satisfaction. It often appears on chain restaurant “mega” menus and in food challenges.
Smash Burger
This American method presses patties on a hot griddle for a quick, high-heat cook, creating a crispy crust and juicy inside. It’s recently popular on social media.
Slider
A small burger that fits in the palm of your hand. Often served as a snack or party food, it can be enjoyed in a variety of combinations. Historically, White Castle (a US burger chain) is considered to be the originator of this type of burger.
Gourmet Burger
These high-priced burgers are made with high-quality meat (grass-fed beef and aged beef), special buns, and original sauces, with attention paid to appearance and texture. The presentation and tableware are also refined, and they are often served in restaurants and specialty shops.
Vegetarian/Plant-based Burger
The patties are made from plant-based ingredients such as beans, mushrooms, vegetables, and soy meat. They are gaining worldwide attention from a health and environmental perspective, and alternative meat brands such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are also well known.
Fish burger/Chicken burger
These are variations that use fried white fish or grilled chicken as a substitute for patties. In Japan, McDonald's “Filet-O-Fish” is a popular fish burger, and teriyaki-flavored chicken burgers are also popular.
local Burger
These are specialty burgers that reflect the local cuisine and food culture of each region. Examples include pineapple burgers from Hawaii, beetroot burgers from Australia, and teriyaki sauce and rice buns from Japan.
How to make a Hamburger
Ingredients
- Ground beef (fat ratio 80/20)... approx. 2 × 4 oz (226 g)
- Salt (preferably coarse salt)... as needed
- Black pepper (coarsely ground)... appropriate amount
- Sliced cheese (Cheddar)... 2 slices
- Buns (brioche or potato rolls) ... 2 pieces
- Lettuce... appropriate amount
- Tomatoes... Appropriate amount (sliced)
- Onion... Appropriate amount (sliced)
- Butter (unsalted)... a small amount
- Ketchup: appropriate amount
- Mayonnaise... appropriate amount
Preparation
1. Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, and onions
- Remove the core from the lettuce, rinse it in cold water to crisp it up, and then wipe it thoroughly to remove any moisture.
- Tomatoes contain a lot of moisture in their seeds, so gently press them with kitchen paper.
- If you want to reduce the spiciness of the onions, soak them in water for about 5 minutes and drain well.
2. Shaping the patties
- Divide the ground meat into two equal portions (about 113g each).
- Gently roll it into a ball with your hands, flatten it, and make a slight indentation in the center with your thumb (this will prevent the center from bulging when baked).
- The key is not to knead it too much. If you mix it too much, the proteins will bind together and it will become hard.
Cooking
1. Toast the buns
- Lightly brown the cut side over medium heat in a frying pan or grill.
- Spreading a small amount of butter on it before baking enhances the aroma and prevents the sauce from absorbing moisture.
2. Cook the patties
- Preheat a frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat (ideally to a surface temperature of around 200°C).
- Just before cooking, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the patties.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes without moving one side to achieve a nice brown color (Maillard reaction).
- Flip over and bake for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cheese one minute before it is done, cover, and steam until melted.
3. Checking the degree of baking
- For safety reasons, aim for a core temperature of 71°C or higher.
- When the meat juices become clear, it means that the meat is cooked through.
Assembly
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun (to prevent the bread from getting soggy and to add richness).
- Spread lettuce leaves.
- Add the patty and melted cheese.
- Layer tomato slices and onion slices.
- Add ketchup (and mustard, if desired).
- Place the top bun on top and press down lightly.
Tips for improving presentation and appearance
- If you want to show the cross section, cut it in half and place it with the cut side facing forward.
- Sprinkling sesame seeds on the buns adds a classic touch.
- Add French fries and pickles as a side dish to make it look even more appealing in photos.
- When shooting with natural light, the colors of meat and vegetables come out beautifully.
Summary
Checking various websites, I realized that hamburgers are truly a deep and profound food.
Refer to this article to make your own favorite burger or try out the latest trends that catch your eye.
You'll enjoy eating even more, and mealtimes will become something to look forward to every day!
Find your favorite item and enjoy your hamburger life.
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