DaveF in IL
TVWBB Member
Like many, I love burgers, but I was always a bit underwhelmed with my efforts at home. I never seemed to be able to get close to the really good burgers that you can get in some restaurants. Just about everything I've ever heard or read about making better burgers starts with "grind your own meat", but I've never gotten around to it. Honestly I was always skeptical about how much difference it would make. Lately though I've been annoyed with the supermarket ground chuck I usually get. Our local grocery chain (Jewel) must be one of those places that adds red dye to their ground beef or something - you can cook that stuff until it's practically leather and yet whatever juice is left still comes out red. That makes it tough to judge doneness on the grill and makes an unappetizing mess on the plate too. I know this could be solved by going to a better butcher but kids and schedules and everything else make that tough.
Today I had a bit of extra time so I decided to give it a go. I picked up the grinder attachment for our KitchenAid and picked up a chuck roast from Costco (starting simple). Did the double grind that many here recommend, made some 6oz patties, S&P, grilled, topped with cheddar and the usual toppings on a toasted bun. Nothing fancy here, just wanted to see if the meat really made much difference.
I was amazed at how great it tasted. Definitely the best burger I've ever made at home. A lot of that was texture - much better than store bought. It just had a softer, more "melt in your mouth" feeling in addition to better flavor. I think I'm a convert!
Anyway, I know this isn't news to anyone here, but I'm mostly putting this out there for anyone in the future like me who hadn't bothered trying their own grind yet. Highly recommended. The grinding process itself is quick enough, so I don't think it adds a lot of complexity to an otherwise simple meal. Now I'll have to work on trying some mixes of other cuts of meat in the grind.
Today I had a bit of extra time so I decided to give it a go. I picked up the grinder attachment for our KitchenAid and picked up a chuck roast from Costco (starting simple). Did the double grind that many here recommend, made some 6oz patties, S&P, grilled, topped with cheddar and the usual toppings on a toasted bun. Nothing fancy here, just wanted to see if the meat really made much difference.
I was amazed at how great it tasted. Definitely the best burger I've ever made at home. A lot of that was texture - much better than store bought. It just had a softer, more "melt in your mouth" feeling in addition to better flavor. I think I'm a convert!
Anyway, I know this isn't news to anyone here, but I'm mostly putting this out there for anyone in the future like me who hadn't bothered trying their own grind yet. Highly recommended. The grinding process itself is quick enough, so I don't think it adds a lot of complexity to an otherwise simple meal. Now I'll have to work on trying some mixes of other cuts of meat in the grind.