Summer is almost here, and that can only mean one thing — it's barbecue season!
And who better to call on for burger tips than the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri.
"This may be a more complicated answer than you bargained for because it's not just about a burger recipe," Fieri told Business Insider when asked how to make the perfect burger. "It's about the execution of the whole deal. You can get down with whatever toppings you want, but the basics have to be covered."
Season and smash
Fieri's first tip? Start with seasoned ground beef. He recommends going for "80/20," which means 80% lean and 20% fat.
"Start with your seasoned ground beef in a ball and place it on the hottest griddle or cast iron pan you can get," Fieri explained.
Then, get ready to smash.
"You smash it down hard, we're talking a half-inch thick," he continued. "And let it crisp up and get all that delicious caramelization going."
Once the sides of your patty are crunchy, flip it over and let the other side brown up. Now it's time for the cheese.
The cheese is key
"If you're going to do cheese, try some American slices because they melt really well," Fieri said.
And the Mayor of Flavortown has quite the trick to make sure you get the perfect cheeseburger.
"Put some sort of dome or metal bowl over the top and squirt a little water underneath," Fieri said. "That steam will melt your cheese before you overcook your burger."
Don't forget the bun and 'LTOP'
Fieri recommends using a toasted and buttered brioche bun to build your burger, which also needs what he calls "LTOP": lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle.
"But you gotta shred that lettuce, slice your tomato, and cut those white onions and pickles so thin that they only have one side," Fieri added.
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Anneta Konstantinides is a lifestyle correspondent at Business Insider, with a focus on food and travel. She loves taking readers inside Michelin-starred kitchens and exploring the world of fine-dining, and she's always trying to find the best Ina Garten and Gordon Ramsay recipes. Her second home is LAX, where she's often catching a flight and reviewing airlines.Anneta has also been reporting on the pageant industry for the last six years and has interviewed every Miss USA and Miss Universe winner since 2019. She was a finalist at the LA Press Club Awards for her investigation into the 2022 Miss USA scandal and was featured in The New York Times Presents episode "How to Fix a Pageant" on Hulu in September 2023. After graduating from UCLA with a B.A in English Literature and a minor in film & television, Anneta worked as a journalist in London, Sydney, New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. You can reach Anneta at [email protected].
