Garlic Butter Burgers
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I’ve got one more grilling recipe for you just in time for Memorial Day. If you’re planning to stick with burgers, you might want to switch things up with this mouthwatering garlic butter burger recipe. Seriously, how can you go wrong with garlic butter? I originally came across this recipe on Good Things Utah, where Angel Shannon shared her take on garlic butter burgers.
Now, Angel is known for her love of using a full stick of butter in her cooking, but I found that a whole stick was a bit too much for my taste. So, I tweaked the recipe to use less butter, ensuring the burgers still come out juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy.
You need some fat to make burgers nice and juicy, but thanks to those great sales, I always keep extra lean ground beef stocked in my freezer. While extra lean ground beef isn’t typically ideal for juicy burgers, this recipe solves that problem by adding just the right amount of butter back into the mix.
The best part about this recipe is the unique technique of freezing the compound butter and breaking it into small pieces to mix directly into the meat. This ensures that every bite of your savory burger is infused with rich, garlicky goodness. The butter, combined with garlic, creates a flavor explosion that takes these burgers to the next level. It’s a simple yet genius way to make sure your Memorial Day burgers are not just good but unforgettable. Yum!
Ingredients to Make Garlic Butter Burgers
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- BUTTER
- GARLIC
- GARLIC SALT AND PEPPER
- YOUR FAVORITE HAMBURGER TOPPINGS AND CONDIMENTS (I USED KETCHUP, MAYO, PICKLES, GRILLED ONION, LETTUCE, AND CHEESE)
- 6-8 CIABATTA ROLLS OR REGULAR BUNS
How to Make Garlic Butter Burgers
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Start by finely mincing several garlic cloves and mixing them into softened butter until well combined. This step infuses the butter with rich garlic flavor, which will be spread throughout the burgers.
Once you fully mix the butter, transfer it to a medium-sized glass bowl and place it in the freezer. Let the butter chill for about 20-30 minutes or until it has hardened. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to incorporate into the ground beef later easily.
Form the Patties:
After the butter has hardened, remove it from the freezer and use a fork to break it into small, pea-sized pieces. This ensures that the butter will be evenly distributed throughout the burger meat, giving your burgers a juicy, flavorful boost.
Gently mix the butter pieces into your ground beef, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overwork the meat; this can make the burgers tough.
Once the butter is mixed in, divide the beef mixture into 6 to 8 portions, depending on how large you want your burgers to be. Shape each portion into a burger patty, pressing lightly to form a uniform shape. I like to use a burger press.
Place the patties on a plate or tray, cover them, and return them to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This step helps the patties firm up and allows the flavors to meld together before grilling.
Grill and Serve:
Just before grilling, sprinkle each patty with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the garlic flavor and add a touch of seasoning.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the hamburger patties on the grill. Cook them for several minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. The butter within the patties will melt as they cook, infusing the burgers with rich, garlicky goodness.
Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, add slices of cheese and allow to melt. Remove them from the grill and place them on ciabatta rolls or buns as the base for your burgers.
Serve with your favorite condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, onions, or American cheese. The ciabatta rolls add a nice texture, and the garlic butter burgers will be bursting with flavor, making them a perfect addition to your grilling repertoire. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the butter from leaking out of the burgers while grilling?
To prevent the butter from leaking out, make sure the butter incorporates well into the ground beef and the patties are properly chilled before grilling. Also, avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula while grilling, as this can squeeze out the juices and butter.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. If you want to make them further in advance, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
What type of cheese pairs well with garlic butter burgers?
Several types of cheese, such as American, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or blue cheese, pair well with garlic butter burgers. These cheeses add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that complements the burger’s garlicky, buttery goodness.
What kind of buns work best for these burgers?
I recommend Ciabatta rolls because they are sturdy and absorb the buttery juices without becoming soggy. However, you can use other types of buns, such as brioche, pretzel buns, or even a classic sesame seed bun, depending on your preference.
Can I make these burgers without garlic if I’m not a fan of garlic?
Yes, you can skip the garlic if you prefer. The butter will still add richness and moisture to the burgers, and you can experiment with other flavorings like onion powder, smoked paprika, or herbs to suit your taste.
How do I know when the burgers are done cooking?
The safest way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For ground beef, cook the burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. If you prefer your burgers well done, aim for 170°F (77°C). Keep in mind that the butter inside the burgers will keep them juicy, even if they’re cooked well done.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Bacon Cheese Burger Salads
- Must Have Burgers
- Grilled Teriyaki Burgers with Pineapple
- Breakfast Burgers
Garlic Butter Burgers
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- ¼ cup butter room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- garlic salt and pepper
- you favorite hamburger toppings and condiments I used ketchup, mayo, pickles, red onion, lettuce, and pepper jack cheese
- 6-8 ciabatta rolls or regular buns – I thought the ciabatta rolls were a nice change
Instructions
- Finely mince garlic cloves and mix into softened butter. Place seasoned butter in medium glass bowl and put in freezer 20-30 minutes or until butter has hardened.
- Break butter up using a fork into little pea-size pieces and mix into ground beef. Form into 6 – 8 patties (just depends on how big you want them) and cover, returning to fridge for about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper and grill over medium heat until cooked.
- Serve on ciabatta rolls or hamburger buns with your favorite condiments.
Nutrition
