How to Keep a Hamburger Together

Some people have problems keeping a hamburger together. The hamburger may split apart while trying to turn it on the grill, or the patty may fall apart after it is put on the bun. Take proper care to make the hamburger patty correctly, and you can prevent these petty mishaps.

Instructions

1. Choose ground beef that is no more than 80 percent lean. If you must use leaner hamburger, add some bread crumbs, oatmeal or egg to help it stick together.

2. Season your hamburger with dried onions instead of fresh. This keeps your hamburger from becoming too moist, which could make it fall apart.

3. Use garlic and other dried spices to season your hamburger, rather than adding barbecue or worcestershire sauce. Adding sauce to your hamburger also makes it too moist to stick together.

4. Make sure your hamburger patty is pressed firmly together and shaped into the size you want before placing it on the grill. Pressing down on it with a spatula after it's on the grill could cause it to fall apart.

5. Form your hamburger patty so the edges are as thick as the middle. Firm the edges with your fingers.

Tips & Warnings

• Grill your hamburger patty while it's still cool. Don't bring it to room temperature.

• Use fresh ground beef rather than meat that has been frozen.

• Don't handle the raw meat too much because this can toughen it.

• Don't use a cookie cutter press to form your patty.

• Don't turn the hamburger on the grill until you see juice on the top.