Delicious savoury goodness, a handheld masterpiece, and when done correctly, truly the epitome of deliciousness.
Of course, while the burger is incredibly simple, achieving that perfectly juicy patty, that pillowy bun, and that flavour explosion you crave isn't always easy at home.
Fear not, burger lover! Here at Burger & Lobster, we understand your passion for the perfect burger and we've dedicated ourselves to crafting an unforgettable burger experience. However, we also appreciate the joy of firing up the grill at home and understanding how to cook a burger to its fullest potential. Today we’re going to equip you with the tips and tricks to elevate your homemade burger game, whether you’re cooking burgers in the oven, on a grill, or looking for recipe tips. But be warned, these tips might just make your mouth water for the real deal – the one you can find at Burger & Lobster.
Burgers
The humble burger boasts a surprisingly rich history, with theories tracing it back to ancient civilizations! While the exact origin is debated, most agree it found its modern form in the late 19th century thanks to German immigrants in the United States. These early versions were simple: a ground beef patty between slices of bread, perfect for fueling a growing nation on the go. Fast forward to today and the burger has become a global phenomenon, with many countries having their own way of enjoying the delicious burger.
Japan: The Wagyu beef burger is a thing of legend, with its melt-in-your-mouth marbling and topped with zesty and refreshing Japanese garnishes.
Mexico: The "al pastor" burger incorporates seasoned pork, pineapple, and smoky chipotle mayo, a nod to Mexico's vibrant street food culture.
India: The "Lamb Keema" burger hybrid features a spiced lamb patty with cooling raita sauce and fresh mint chutney, a delicious East-meets-West fusion!
America: The classic cheeseburger, a combination so delicious and simple that it only needs a few fantastic ingredients. Cheese, patty, lettuce, pickles, ketchup. Delicious.
The incredible versatility and adaptability of burgers are a key reason why the burger has become such a culinary mainstay. Here at Burger & Lobster, we celebrate this global love affair. Our menu boasts a selection of premium burgers, each showcasing unique flavour combinations that really do stand out. But there's something undeniably special about experiencing a gourmet burger crafted by experts. While these tips will help you create a delicious burger at home, there's a reason why Burger & Lobster is known for its exceptional offerings and our chefs have mastered the art of cooking the patty to juicy perfection.
Tips for how to cook a burger
If you’re still set on cooking the very best burger at home, be it cooking burgers in the oven, with a burger press, or on the grill outside, we’ll help you out with some tips.
Use the right meat blend. An 80/20 mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin or brisket creates a juicy, flavorful patty. But that’s not to say a nice beef/pork mix won’t still make you squirm with delicious anticipation.
Don't overwork the meat. Mix the meat gently and form patties without over-compacting. This keeps them tender and tasty.
Make a divot in the centre. Press a small indentation into the centre of each patty to prevent doming as they cook, and for an extra hack, you can add a little ice cube. This ice cube ensures a tender and still moist burger.
Season generously. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc. Whatever you think will taste incredible deserved recognition in a burger.
Get the pan or grill ripping hot. High heat gives you an appetizing sear of flavour while keeping the inside juicy.
Don't press down. Resist flattening the patties which only squeezes out precious juices.
Use a basting technique. Brush with butter or oil and spoon hot fat over the burger as it cooks.
Only flip once. Flipping frequently causes loss of juices. Flip when you see juice pooling on top and don’t keep flipping.
Don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer and pull them off around 160°F for medium doneness. Alternatively, sear in the pan and finish in the oven making sure they’re hot enough.
Let them rest. Tent with foil and let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving for juices to redistribute.
Toast the buns. Lightly butter and toast the buns to make them crisp and add texture contrast.
Burgers at Burger & Lobster
While these tips will undoubtedly elevate your homemade burger game, there's a reason why Burger & Lobster is synonymous with unforgettable burger experiences. We offer a diverse menu that caters to every craving, ensuring a perfect burger every single visit.
Sometimes, you just can't beat the timeless appeal of a perfectly executed classic. Our Classic 8oz Burger features a juicy, all-beef patty cooked to your liking, sat proudly on top of a bed of crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and our signature burger sauce. All this is sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun, of course, and served with a side of golden fries! When your burger fancy leans towards the more adventurous, our Beast Burger is a carnivore's dream, featuring a hefty 5oz or 8oz beef patty stacked high with succulent lobster meat. Creamy brie cheese adds a touch of luxury, while the refreshing fennel slaw cuts through the richness. Finished with a decadent truffle tarragon mayo, this burger is an explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Of course, at Burger & Lobster, we understand that not every incredible burger is a beef burger. Our Chicken Burger is a delightful alternative, featuring succulent roast chicken nestled in a warm pretzel bun. The combination of creamy chicken mayo, crushed avocado, and a vibrant mix of red onion and pickles adds a touch of freshness and zing. Don't forget the side of fries for dipping, because who can resist a perfect crispy fry? For those seeking a taste of England, our Lake District Burger is a must-try. This beauty features a perfectly cooked patty made from dry-aged Lake District beef, renowned for its exceptional flavour. A tangy tomato relish adds a touch of sweetness, while caramelized red onion provides a delightful counterpoint. Crisp lettuce and pickles add a classic touch, and the choice of blue cheese or aged cheddar allows you to personalise your perfect bite. Served with chunky chips for a truly satisfying burger experience.
Vegetarians and vegans need not feel left out! Our Plant Burger is a revelation, boasting a flavorful Panko Simplicity patty that holds its own against any meat-based offering. Topped with tangy cabbage slaw, a touch of sweetness from the relish, and a spicy kick from the cajun mayo, this burger is a symphony of textures and tastes. Fresh tomato, onion, and pickles add a classic touch, while the accompanying ranch sauce offers a cool, creamy counterpoint.
Burger locations all over
To experience the perfect burger just a short distance from home (that still counts right?) you can find 9 delicious Burger & Lobster locations dotted across London. The locations include Knightsbridge, Bond Street, Mayfair, Soho, Leicester Square, Bread Street, Oxford Circus, Threadneedle Steet and West India Quay. So you’re never too far away from that perfect first bite.
Hop in after a busy day out in London, catch up with friends after work, or perhaps cheat the system and order delivery on your commute home. Then, by the time you get home with your feet up, you’ll have the perfect Burger & Lobster burger waiting to tuck into at home.