Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (80% lean meat, 20% fat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns
4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your choice)
Lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Optional: crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled onions for toppings
Better Buy BBQ Wood Chips (e.g., hickory, mesquite, applewood) soaked in water for about 30 minutes
Instructions:
Preheat the Grill with Wood Chips:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). If you're using a gas grill, create a smoker packet by placing the soaked wood chips in a sheet of aluminum foil, fold it into a packet, and poke a few holes in the top. If you're using a charcoal grill, add the soaked wood chips directly to the coals. This will create the smoky flavor you want.
Prepare the Meat:
Follow the original instructions to divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, gently shape them into patties, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Clean and Oil the Grill Grates:
Follow the original instructions to brush the grates with a bit of vegetable oil or clean them with a grill brush.
Grill the Patties with Wood Smoke:
Place the patties on the preheated grill with the wood chips, close the lid, and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on one side. The wood chips will infuse the burgers with a smoky flavor. Avoid pressing down on the patties.
Flip and Add Cheese:
Continue to follow the original instructions by flipping the patties using a spatula and grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes. In the final minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt.
Toast the Buns:
Follow the original instructions to toast the hamburger buns on the grill until they become golden brown. The smoky aroma will add to the overall flavor.
Assemble the Burgers:
Once the patties are done and the cheese has melted, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Build Your Smoky Burger:
On the toasted buns, start by adding a leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and any other toppings of your choice, such as onions, pickles, or crispy bacon. Place the hot, cheesy, smoky patty on top. Add condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo to taste. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade grilled burgers with a delightful smoky flavor immediately while they're still hot and juicy. Enjoy your smoky grilled burgers with your favorite side dishes.
Adding Better Buy BBQ Wood Chips to your grill will give your burgers a unique and delicious smoky twist, enhancing the overall flavor of your classic grilled hamburgers.