Grilled Burgers

Chuck that you grind yourself or buy freshly ground is a main key to juicy, flavorful burgers. The meat should be 80 percent lean and lightly handled.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 1/4 pounds 80% lean ground chuck
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, split and grill-toasted

Suggested Toppings: cheese, cooked bacon, guacamole, sautéed onions or mushrooms, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, dill or sweet relish, lettuce and tomato slices

Cooking Directions:

1. Build a single-level fire. Set grill rack in place, cover grill with lid, and let rack heat up, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, break up chuck to increase surface area for seasonings. Sprinkle salt and pepper over meat; toss lightly with hands to distribute seasonings. Divide meat into four equal portions and shape into burgers.
3. Grill burgers, uncovered, over hot fire, turning once and cooking to desired doneness as follows: 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on second side for medium, and 5 minutes per side for well-done. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.