Why do fry cooks use water to cook burgers?
I'm sitting at a diner and I'm curious if there is a reason as to why the fry cook cooked my burger the way he did.
The process is different from the one I'd use at home. The cook put the burger on the flat top, the covered it with a metal domed item that looks like a cloche, the cook used a squirt bottle of water to squirt water onto the flat top and covered the burger and the now-steaming water. I've seen this done to quicker melting cheese onto the tops of burgers, but it's never something I've done at home.
Why is this the process that seemingly every diner cooks with? Why is it not commonly done at home or am I wrong, and it is?
Best Answer
I often use this technique at home to cook proteins. It shortens cooking time by using steam as a heat transfer medium to cook the top of the item at the same time as the bottom.
You can also use this method on frittatas, dumplings, etc.
You can also use flavored liquids to impart flavor as well. I particularly like hard cider with chicken and pork.
Pictures about "Why do fry cooks use water to cook burgers?"
Quick Answer about "Why do fry cooks use water to cook burgers?"
It shortens cooking time by using steam as a heat transfer medium to cook the top of the item at the same time as the bottom. You can also use this method on frittatas, dumplings, etc. You can also use flavored liquids to impart flavor as well.Do you put water in the pan when cooking burgers?
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Place the pan on the stove, and turn the burner on high. Let the pan heat up on its own before you put the burgers in. You can splash a little water in to see if it's ready.How do you keep burgers moist when frying?
More Tips for Making a Juicy BurgerWhat is a water burger?
I borrowed an idea from Chinese dumpling makers who add water to their dumpling mixture for additional moisture and tenderness. The first time I made a water burger I cowboyed up and added some water to my burger mixture. The results were moist, tender and supple burgers.What is the best way to fry burgers?
Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. When the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet (no need to grease skillet) leaving some space between each patty. Cook the burgers until nicely seared and they have browned halfway up the sides. Flip the burgers and cook to your liking.Bobby Flay's Burger Tips
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Gary Barnes, Teona Swift, Gary Barnes, Kampus Production