The Ultimate Juicy Lucy Burger Recipe
A Tasty Tale of Two Cities
In the heart of Minneapolis, two bars, Matt’s and the 5-8 Club, proudly claim to be the creators of the infamous Juicy Lucy burger. However, James Norton, CHOW.com’s Supertaster, believes that the Blue Door Pub in St. Paul serves the perfect Jucy Lucy. Regardless of its origin, this cheese-stuffed burger is a culinary masterpiece that oozes cheesy goodness with every bite.
Bring the Juicy Lucy Home
Now, you can recreate this mouthwatering burger in the comfort of your own kitchen. Be sure to pair it with crispy French fries and a side of tangy pickles. To get started, you’ll need a few essential ingredients.
High-Quality Ingredients
- Fat is Flavor: Opt for high-quality chuck with a fat content of 15 to 20 percent for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Cheesy Delights: While American cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like mild cheddar or pepper jack.
- Soft Buns: Skip the brioche or crusty buns and choose soft hamburger buns that won’t overpower the simple flavors of the Juicy Lucy.
Game Plan
- Resting Time: Allow the burger patties to rest after cooking to redistribute the juices and prevent scorching hot cheese.
- Toasting Buns: Grill or toast the buns while the patties are resting to achieve the perfect texture.
The Perfect Juicy Lucy Recipe
Yield: 4 burgers
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 slices American cheese (about 3 ounces)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (15 to 20 percent fat content), chilled
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for oiling the grill
- 4 (4-inch) hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Sliced pickles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut each slice of cheese into quarters and stack them to form 4 squares.
- Mix the Meat: Combine the ground chuck, salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just evenly combined.
- Form the Patties: Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and shape into rough patties. Place a cheese square in the center of each patty, top with another patty, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a patty on each bun bottom, top with pickles, and cover with a bun top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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