Juicy Hamburgers —Three Ways: Broiling, Grilling and Panfrying

Instructions

1. 1

   You may need to move the oven rack so it is 5 to 6 inches below the broiler. Set the oven control to broil.

2. 2

   Mix the beef, water, salt and pepper in a bowl. Shape the mixture into 4 uniform, flat patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. Shaping the patties to have smooth edges will keep them together during cooking and result in uniform doneness. Gently pinch to close any cracks in the patty. Handle the patties as little as possible. The more the beef is handled, the less juicy the burgers will be.

3. 3

   Place the patties on the rack in a broiler pan. (For easy cleanup, line the bottom of the broiler pan with aluminum foil before placing patties on rack.)

4. 4

   Broil patties with tops about 3 inches from heat 5 to 7 minutes on each side for doneness, turning once, until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. Serve on buns.

5. 5

   Prepare the coals or a gas grill for direct heat. Heat to medium heat, which will take about 40 minutes for charcoal or about 10 minutes for a gas grill.

6. 6

   Shape the hamburger patties as described in step 2 of Broiling Hamburgers.

7. 7

   Place the patties on the grill about 4 inches from medium heat. Grill uncovered 7 to 8 inches on each side for doneness, turning once, until no longer pink in center and juice is clear. Loosen patties gently with a turner to prevent crumbling. Serve on buns.

8. 8

   Shape the hamburger patties as described in step 2 of Broiling Hamburgers.

9. 9

   Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat about 10 minutes for doneness, turning occasional