Burger bun mistake a chef says is ruining your cookout this summer
Key Points:
- Chef Michael Hawk advises against soaking burger buns in grease and juices, recommending instead to toast buns in butter to create a flavorful, textured barrier that prevents sogginess.
- He suggests using medium heat and whole unsalted butter in a sauté pan, toasting the bun cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, ideally timing this with the burger's resting period.
- Hawk warns that grilling buns can lead to burning due to intense heat, recommending placing buns on cooler outer edges of the grill or using slow, gentle heat for toasting.
- For burger preparation, Hawk emphasizes uniform patty size and shape, using a digital thermometer to cook precisely, and removing burgers from heat 5 degrees before target temperature to allow for resting.
- He advises smashing the raw patty only once at the start to develop a crust and retain moisture, and recommends tempering meat by letting it come closer to room temperature before cooking to improve moisture retention and cooking time.