The key to preventing burgers from bulging into a ball shape during cooking is to create a slight indentation in the center of the raw patty.
Here's how:
- Create a Thumbprint Indentation: Before cooking, gently press your thumb into the center of each patty. Aim for an indentation that leaves the center of the patty about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick, while the edges remain around 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) thick.
This simple technique works because:
- Even Cooking: The indentation helps the burger cook more evenly. As the meat cooks and the proteins contract, the center will rise, but the indentation prevents it from rising too much and forming a round shape.
- Shape Retention: By encouraging the center to rise slightly, you help the burger maintain a flatter, more desirable shape on the bun.
- Avoid Overcooking the Edges: A flatter patty promotes more even cooking throughout, reducing the chance of overcooked edges while the center remains undercooked.
