Homemade Beef Hamburger Patties

When I was young, my dad prepared fresh, homemade beef patties whenever we wanted to have BBQ hamburgers. He'd insist it was healthier, tastier and preservatives-free compared with the processed, boxed option and very simple to make. Over the years, many fast-food chains including McDonald's have opted to use fresh, never frozen beef on the grill.

When you see the simplicity of the recipe below, you too will be a convert, or I'll buy you a burger. 😊

My burger here is topped with fresh grilled pineapple. Grilled pineapple is a  sweet addition to a savoury dish but also on its own as a dessert, have you tried it?

Breadcrumbs and diced red onions

Makes 2 large beef burger patties

300 gr lean ground beef
3 tbsp or half a red onion, finely diced
2 - 3 tbsp bread crumbs
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 small egg

1 tsp granulated garlic powder 

1 tsp onion powder 

Mix all of the ingredients together.  The bread crumbs and oil help to keep the meat patties together, so feel free to add more breadcrumbs as needed.

With your hands, form round patties, packing in the meat to ensure they don't fall apart. Let them sit for 10 min to settle.

I tend to cheat and use ramekins to shape them to a perfect roundness and size.  This works well if you are cooking them in a pan. If grilling on the BBQ, you will need to pack in the meat so it doesn't break apart when cooking.

Cook on the barbeque for 8-10min or in an oiled cast iron pan for 10-12 min until fully cooked.

If you are feeling adventurous, prepare a loco moco dish with the patties, this Hawaiian-favourite is absolutely delicious and a homey, comfort dish!

Use ramekins to shape the patties

Hawaiian loco moco