A beef patty is a versatile and delicious food that is enjoyed around the world. But what exactly is a beef patty and how is it made? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this tasty meat disc.
What is a Beef Patty?
A beef patty is a flattened, round disc made of ground beef. It can range in size but is typically 4-6 ounces. The beef is seasoned, shaped into a patty, and then cooked by grilling, pan frying, baking, or broiling.
Beef patties are a key part of many classic dishes like hamburgers, Salisbury steak, meatloaf, and more. They can also be served on their own, topped with cheese, mushrooms, onions, or other favorite ingredients.
The Origins and History
While ground meat patties existed in various forms globally, the iconic American beef patty became popular in the early 20th century. This coincided with the rise of hamburger stands and fast food chains, which brought convenient beef patties into the mainstream.
The beef patty has continued to evolve over time. Today it remains a staple around the world, with gourmet versions and leaner options meeting diverse tastes.
What Goes Into a Beef Patty?
A well-made beef patty starts with high-quality ground beef. Here are the key ingredients:
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Ground Beef The right fat ratio is crucial. 80% lean / 20% fat ground beef provides optimum moisture and flavor Leaner beef (90%+) may dry out
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Seasonings Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika are common seasonings
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Binders: Egg and/or breadcrumbs help hold the patty together, especially for lean beef.
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Flavorings: Spices, herbs, sauces, and cheeses can be mixed into patties or added as toppings.
Shaping and Cooking the Perfect Patty
To cook beef patties right, start by shaping uniform patties about 3⁄4 inch thick. Make an indent in the center to prevent puffing up.
Popular cooking methods include:
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Grilling: Adds delicious smoky flavor at 375-400°F. Avoid pressing down while cooking.
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Pan-Frying: Cook at medium-high heat in a skillet with a touch of oil, 4-5 mins per side.
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Baking: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Check internal temperature, not color, to ensure doneness – 160°F for ground beef.
Serving Up Flavorful Patties
From classic burgers to creative recipes, beef patties are very versatile:
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Top with cheese, bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, etc. for loaded burgers.
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Stuff patties with cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients for delicious surprises.
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Serve patties with hearty sides like mashed potatoes for a homestyle meal.
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Add to stews, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more to boost flavor and nutrition.
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Skewer, breadcrumb, bake, or fry for intriguing new textures and tastes.
With quality beef and the right preparation, the possibilities for amazing beef patties are endless!
Health Benefits of Beef Patties
While often seen as an indulgence, beef patties offer some nutritional value:
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Protein: Beef provides protein for building and repairing muscle.
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Iron: Necessary for carrying oxygen through the body.
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Zinc: Supports proper immune function.
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B Vitamins: Aid convert food into energy.
When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, beef patties can be a tasty and nutritious choice.
Buying and Storing Beef Patties
When purchasing pre-made beef patties, opt for 80% lean labels with no artificial ingredients. Check the sell-by date and use within 2 days.
For safety, store beef patties sealed in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Freeze for longer storage, up to 4 months. Thaw refrigerated, never at room temp.
A beef patty is a simple yet endlessly adaptable ingredient. Comprised of flavorful ground beef and seasoning, it can be cooked to perfection and served in everything from iconic burgers to creative recipes. With quality meat and the right techniques, beef patties make a hearty, delicious meal. So fire up the grill or stove and enjoy this classic in a whole new way!
What burger binding agent should I use?
The most common burger binding agent is egg. This makes your ground beef stick together and is the most readily available ingredient. You can also use potato starch as a burger binding agent depending on your allergies or general availability. Potato starch is a gluten free burger binding agent that is a good alternative from using flour.
Instructions for How to Make Ground Beef Patties for burgers:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 egg, and a generous amount of salt and pepper to season (half tsp each).
- Divide the well mixed beef into four equal round balls and form into patties. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with more salt and pepper on each side.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the patties and sauté for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Brown both sides and cook all the way through. Temp at 165 degrees for 15 seconds to make sure the ground meet is cooked all the way through. Serve immediately on a bun as a burger, with a side of homemade crispy french fries, or even on a salad as your portion of protein.
Note: I’ve shown an old-fashioned patty press here, which are starting to make a comeback. A silicone one in your favorite color can be purchased online or at your local kitchen supply for under $10.
How to Make the Perfect Hamburger Patty
FAQ
What’s the difference between a beef patty and a burger?
- Generally speaking, “patty” refers to the form and “hamburger” refers to its substance.
- A “patty” is generally a flattened piece of meat or meat-like substance, often round, and often served in a sandwich. It might be formed that way in a press, or by hand.
- “Hamburger” refers to ground beef, often chuck.
Is a beef patty an empanada?
The Many Names of Empanadas
For instance, Americans call them meat pies, and Jamaicans call them beef patties. At the same time, Indians call them samosas, and people in Latin America or Spain call them pastelillos or pastelitos.
What are Jamaican beef patties called?
Are beef patties real beef?
Our 100% beef is ground, formed into patties, and then flash frozen. Flash freezing is when beef is quickly frozen to seal in fresh flavor. From the day it was formed, it usually takes about two to three weeks until the burger is served. Quarter Pounder® with Cheese features a ¼ lb.
What are beef patties?
Beef patties are products manufactured from fresh comminuted meats from different animal species including beef, pork, and chicken. The comminuted meat is then altered by different processing technologies to yield specific organoleptic and storage characteristics.
What is a beef patty made of?
The well-seasoned patty is composed of a ground beef base, often mixed with pork chorizo. Depending on the version, a vibrant spice mix is stirred in, for example, both sweet and Spanish paprika, cumin, and garlic, as well as onion powder and hot sauce. Some even add ketchup for added sweetness and moisture.
What is a Jamaican beef patty?
The New York Times called the Jamaican beef patty a typical Jamaican food, and that’s spot-on. Patties are everywhere; they’re sold as street food and at convenience stores. And while they’re the perfect on-the-go lunch, they’re also ideal for wrapping up a night out after some drinks with friends or family.