Who says burgers can’t be stylish? Not the team at Hugo’s, that’s for sure! In fact, we take burgers so seriously that we’ve devoted an entire section of our menu to seven gourmet specials, each one containing some deliriously delicious ingredients. Hugo Chetcuti’s chefs have come up with a few tips for all you budding cooks out there who’d like to take their burgers from basic to breath-taking!
Use fresh ingredients
The golden rule of any gourmet food is always to never use ingredients that are days old or which have been in storage for too long. Always try to use freshly ground beef to make a hamburger. It makes a huge difference in taste and texture, especially when grilled immediately after purchased.
The same goes for the vegetables: they should be crunchy and chilled, so avoid any which are too soggy or taste stale. Home grown veggies are ideal!
Let’s patty!
The thickness of the burger patty should measure by an inch and be slightly larger than the bun. If the patty is too thick, it might end up with a dry surface and an undercooked interior.
When choosing the meat, make sure that it’s not too finely ground – a coarse grind actually works better. You should shape your patties using your hands, without pressing too firmly, allowing the fat within the meat to spread evenly.
That’s what cheese said…
What’s a burger topping without a rich layer of cheese sitting comfortably between the patty and the vegetables? Don’t skimp on this ingredient – go for fancier, high quality cheeses such as Roquefort, Scamorza, La Vallette or Red Leicester cheddar. A strong cheese can act as a spice and a condiment simultaneously, adding an incredible kick to the overall flavour.
Keep it saucy
Test out the flavours of the sauce beforehand, and make sure that it pairs well with the other ingredients. You can never really go wrong with classic English mustard or BBQ sauce, while additions such as tomato chutney or pesto sauce kick things up a notch and makes the entire recipe all the more interesting.
The Chosen Bun
The perfect burger bun should be firm enough to contain all the ingredients, yet have a pleasantly soft feel when bitten into. The one bun to rule them all is undeniably the Brioche bun – bread that is tender and enriched, making it a hugely popular choice across many restaurants. They also have a faintly sweet taste that provides an interesting contrast to savoury toppings.
If you’re busy enjoying your summer holidays and don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen heat, come over to Hugo’s Terrace where we’ll do all the work for you! Hugo Chetcuti’s chefs have prepared burgers that will tickle all kinds of tastebuds, from lamb burgers and beef burgers to crispy tempura chicken and beer battered cod.
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