Why do my burgers end up round?

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When I broil or grill my burgers, I end up with burgers that are round in the middle.

I grind my own beef blend and form my patties the same every time. When I cook my burgers in a pan I don't get the rounded burgers.

What makes the burgers rounded and smaller when broiling/grilling, but not with pan cooking?



Best Answer

I'm not sure what causes the bowing to be more pronounced from one cooking method versus another, but the solution is to put a thumbprint indentation in the middle, creating a slight "donutted" shape. This will help to ensure you get the "patty" shape you want.




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How do you keep burgers from rounding?

Shape the ground burger into a patty slightly larger than the bun and no more than 3/4 inch thick. Use your fingers to press in on the sides so that the patty is an even height from the center to the edges. Then, use your thumb or knuckles to make a deep indentation in the center of the patty.

Why do my burger patties turn into balls?

The most common reason is the moisture. When you cook the burger patties, the moisture inside them begins to steam and turn into gas. This gas expands and causes the burgers to puff up and form balls. Fat also causes burgers to be greasy and not cook evenly hence puckering and balling up.

How do you make perfectly shaped burgers?

Round cuts of beef come from the hind leg. This cut of meat may become dry when cooked beyond medium-rare. A burger cooked to medium-rare will not reach the temperature required to kill bacteria.



The Biggest Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Burgers




More answers regarding why do my burgers end up round?

Answer 2

The difference is probably the level of heat being applied to the burgers. Pan frying is only heating one side and probably isn't as intense as the broil/grill method.

I always use a patty press when I make my burgers since it compacts them really well and helps them to be less round.

Answer 3

It's almost the same effect as frying Baloney (yeah, think back to college) - if you're using thin patties put little slits in three places and the bubbling effect will disappear.

Answer 4

Making an indentation works, but I prefer to poke a hole all the way through with my pinky finger. The hole disappears while cooking.

Answer 5

On top of using a patty press as Bryant suggested, freezing the patties first helps them hold their shape until they cooked enough to be self-supporting.

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