In the debate over salting or not salting burgers before frying them, Jules Clancy is definitely rooting for the pro-salters.
Text And Photo By Jules Clancy

I have a theory that junk food isn’t bad for you as long as you make it yourself. Needless to say I’m always on the lookout for ideas to help perfect my favorite treats at home.

Recently I read about a technique for cooking burgers in a skillet that gives a lovely meaty crust and juicy interiors.

According to Robert Wolke in ‘What Einstein Told His Cook’, the theory goes that if you cook your burgers on a thin layer of salt, the salt initially draws out juices from the meat.

It then quickly congeals the juices to form a crust that prevents further moisture loss.

It also prevents the burgers from sticking to the pan and encourages all the delicious brown crunchy bits to stay attached to the burger rather than the pan.

I like to think of it as a junk food win-win!

Salt Crusted Burgers

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Author: Jules Clancy, inspired by Robert L Wolke
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

These salt-crusted burgers feature a crispy, flavorful exterior and juicy interior, inspired by a unique cooking technique that prevents moisture loss.

Ingredients

Units Scale

250g (1/2 lb) minced (ground) beef
1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped
Mayonnaise, preferably homemade
Mixed salad leaves
2 good quality hamburger buns, English muffins, or panini
1 scant teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Place 1 scant teaspoon fine sea salt in a skillet or heavy-based frying pan and shake to cover the base evenly.
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until very hot.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the minced beef and finely chopped chives.
Form the beef mixture into two patties.
Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until a crust forms and they are cooked to your liking.
While the burgers are cooking, prepare the buns by spreading mayonnaise on the inside of each half.
Once the burgers are cooked, assemble them by placing the patties on the prepared buns, adding mixed salad leaves on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade salt-crusted burgers.

Notes

For best results, use a heavy-based skillet to ensure even cooking. Homemade mayonnaise adds a personal touch and enhances flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or buns. The salt crust technique helps keep the burgers juicy and prevents sticking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American