How to Choose The Best Cut of Beef for The Perfect Burger

Not all burgers are the same. If you’re a meat-eater, you know this by now. Burger meat can make or break the entire meal, and picking the wrong cut is every chef’s worst nightmare.

A bad cut of beef will leave you with a dry patty with a flavor you won’t be coming back for anytime soon.

We’re here to put a stop to that. If you wish to learn how to choose the best meat for burgers, you’re in the right spot.

We at Burgermeister prepare the best burgers in Miami, so we know what we’re talking about. We’ll show you how to choose the best ground beef for patties, and you’ll be making perfect burgers in no time.

So wait no more, and see how to impress your friends at the next cookout.

Choosing the Best Ground Beef Based on Fat

The first thing you need to look for when choosing burger meat is the fat content. You do not wish to skip this part since it will make the difference between a great cut and one that’s not so tasty.

Fat provides moisture and flavor to the patty. When you’re cooking burgers over a hot grill, in a pan, or wherever else you might be preparing the meal, fat is the one stopping it from drying out.

Now, what’s the optimal fat content for burger meat? Well, somewhere between 15 and 20 percent seems to give the tastiest results.

This information rules out a few very popular pieces of beef. For example, round and sirloin are both too lean to taste well in a patty.

On the other hand, it also means that chuck seems to be the best ground beef for making burgers. 

It has that exact fat content, although the advertising may confuse you.

Usually, the beef label says 80/20. Look at the second number to get the fat percentage and choose the best meat for burgers with ease.

On top of that, the deep beefy flavor of chuck is perfect for making great burgers.

Find a Proper Butcher Shop

If you’ve spent your fair share of time in the kitchen, you know that the quality of ingredients is the most important part of all meals. The same goes for making burgers. That’s why it’s crucial to find a proper butcher shop you know can provide you with the quality you’re searching for in your patties.

Grocery stores usually can’t provide you with a great cut of beef, so skipping that option will be your safest bet. Yes, the meat is already ground, weighed, and packed, and you can have it in seconds. However, the most convenient solution will usually not give the tastiest results.

The beef decides whether your burger is good or not, so this isn’t the part that you wish to overlook. 

So, spend some time searching for a good butcher or a meat market, and allow yourself to make a proper meal. Once you find a provider that can give you fresh beef from a great cut, you can start working on the rest of the ensemble.

Look Out for the Texture

Checking out the grinder isn’t what most people do when shopping for burger meat. However, if you wish to find the best meat for burgers, it’s something you need to look out for in the butcher shop.

A coarse grind is the setting you wish to see on your butcher’s grinder. It’s the one with plates that have larger holes in it. This setting will provide you with meat with a coarser texture.

Most shops have this type of setting and will use it without you having to interfere, but those who won’t will give you terrible results.

Grinders with smaller holes will leave you with beef with a mushy texture resembling a paste. This is something we wish to avoid at all costs.

Creating a Mixture

Yes, chuck is the best meat for burgers, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvisation. Some variations of the beef mix can give tasty results, and only by giving them a shot can you know if you prefer them over chuck burgers.

Pork has 20 to 25 percent fat and will make the patty a bit juicier. On top of that, it will give the burger a unique flavor that resembles bacon. Try using ground round beef or even ground pork if you wish to mix it up. 

Using this trick is helpful with other dryer meats, such as turkey or chicken. So try adding a bit of pork to your poultry burgers if you wish to make them tastier. Don’t be afraid to improvise and add spices or other ingredients you enjoy.

The people that like everything at least a bit spicy, try adding ground sausage to the mix. This isn’t something we usually recommend, but if you’re a true spice enthusiast, nothing is stopping you from trying it out.

Grilling the Burgers

The preparation of the burgers also plays a role in choosing the right piece of beef to make the patty. Going with less fatty meat is acceptable if you intend to pan-fry the burgers.

You’ll have more control over the heat and likely cook it at a lower temperature. 

On the other hand, grilling the burgers lets out a lot of fat, so keeping the mix at a minimum 80/20 ratio is your safest bet. Going to 85/15 is also acceptable if you prefer the burgers at a higher temperature.

Steak is best when cooked medium-rare, but a perfect patty needs more cooking time. Usually, medium to medium-well is the best temperature for cooking burgers.

The key is to cook the patties to the correct temperature without burning the exterior. To achieve this result, prepare your burgers at medium temperature.

Match the Patty

Of course, the quality of the burger isn’t determined by only the patty. The quality of the remaining ingredients matters, as well. So, cheese, condiments, and toppings should be chosen appropriately and prepared carefully.

Always melt the cheese directly on the meat during the last minute of the cooking. You can choose your favorite type, but our advice is to go with American or cheddar. Keeping things simple is sometimes the better option.

Nowadays, there are so many different condiments to choose from that it’s hard to make a recommendation. However, sticking with a mix of ketchup and mayo is a classic option you can always try. 

And, for the toppings, the rule of the three applies. Any more than that would be too much. 

Pickles, lettuce, and tomato are the go-to for most burger joints these days.

Get a Burger in Miami

Making great burgers is a craft that requires proper skills and dedication. 

We at Burgermeister are proud to have chefs who can provide us with the best burgers in Miami.

If you’re ever in the area, visit our restaurant and see why so many people enjoy our menu.