Instantly improve burger flavor by applying this cooking technique

As grilling season begins to heat up, many cooks are looking to improve that burger flavor. While some home cooks have spent years honing their perfect their secret recipe, one simple cooking technique can instantly turn that burger into a gourmet masterpiece. Ready to become the burger expert?

Chef David Rose is the culinary expert for Omaha Steaks. While many people grew up with those special boxes of steaks, burgers and sides delivered directly to the door, the reality is that the specialty meat deserves to be handled with care. No one wants to waste good food with poor cooking techniques.’

When it comes to the burger flavor, everyone probably has an opinion. From grandpa’s tried and true method to the next cooking hack on social media, the reality is that one key element often ties all those ideas together. No, it isn’t the grill, the condiments or even the bun, but there is a simple secret.

Improving burger flavor is all about this key cooking technique.

According to Chef Rose, one phrase guides his opinion on the perfect burger and the ultimate burger flavor. It is about aggressive seasoning. If you haven’t heard that term before, it is best to understand that concept.

Truthfully, it is an easy idea. Chef Rose believes that “one of the biggest mistakes that people make is under seasoning a burger.” If the burger does not have any seasoning before it hits the grill, the flavor will be underwhelming. No amount of condiments can help that bland burger shine.

In addition, Chef Rose recommends that to aggressively season the outside of the burger. Specifically, he said to “never put salt inside the burger because it will break down the protein.” Since “salt draws moisture out” you don’t want to put seasoning on a burger until it is ready to hit the grill.

For him, Chef Rose prefers using kosher salt in his seasoning because “you can physically see the grains of salt on the burger.” That method helps the cook to see how much or how little is on the burger. Using iodized salt turns seasoning “into a type of guessing game.” While aggressive seasoning is good, over seasoning is poor choice.

Also, Chef Rose shared that he prefers to aggressively season the outside of both sides of the burger. He believes that this method “gives some texture to the outside of the burger.” If you have ever wondered how a burger has a crisp edge only to reveal a perfectly juicy center, it is because of the outside seasoning.

While home cooks will have to experiment to perfect this cooking technique to create that delicious burger flavor, the trial and error is part of the enjoyment. And, if one meal requires a few extra condiments to help that burger shine, it is a learning lesson for the next time that the burger hits the grill. After all, no one becomes a grill master after one time behind the flame.

What is your secret to the perfect burger flavor? Do you have a cooking hack to share with FoodSided?