Even if you are searching for a juicy burger, a savory snack, or a homemade alternative to fast food, learning how to make the perfect patty is a must.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making patties at home, even if you have never cooked before.
What Is a Patty?
At its core, a patty is a round, flattened portion of ground ingredients, typically cooked by frying, grilling, or baking. The most common patty is the hamburger patty, made from ground beef. However, patties can also be made with chicken, fish, lentils, beans, vegetables, and even tofu.
There are also cultural variations, like Jamaican beef patties (a spicy meat-filled pastry) or Indian aloo tikki (spiced potato patties).
In this post, we will focus on how to make a classic homemade burger patty, along with some variations for different dietary needs.
Why Make Your Own Patties?
Making patties at home offers several benefits:
- Healthier choices: You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives.
- Custom flavors: Adjust spices and seasonings to your liking.
- Cost-effective: Homemade is often cheaper than store-bought or fast food.
- Freshness guaranteed: Freshly made patties taste better and cook more evenly.
Ingredients for a Classic Beef Patty
Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 classic beef burger patties:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- Optional: 1 egg (for binding)
- Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose the Right Meat
For juicy patties, go with ground beef that’s 80% lean and 20% fat. Too lean, and the patty may be dry; too fatty, and it may fall apart.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently mix the beef with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Don’t overmix ; it can make the patties tough.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions. With clean hands, shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about ¾ inch thick. Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Place patties in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better when cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
You can cook patties in a skillet, on a grill, or in the oven. Here’s how:
Skillet:
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Grill:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook patties for 4–6 minutes per side.
Oven (Broiled):
Place patties on a broiler pan and broil for 4–5 minutes per side, 6 inches from heat.
Step 6: Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C)
Burger Patty Variations
1. Chicken Patties
- Use ground chicken.
- Add seasonings like paprika, parsley, and garlic.
- Chicken cooks faster — aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
2. Vegetarian/Vegan Patties
Here’s a simple black bean patty recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Mash the beans and mix in all other ingredients. Form into patties and cook in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and brown.
3. Fish Patties
- Use cooked, flaked fish like salmon or tuna.
- Add egg and breadcrumbs for binding.
- Include lemon zest, dill, or mustard for flavor.
Tips for the Best Homemade Patties
- Don’t overmix: Keeps texture tender.
- Use cold ingredients: Prevents fat from melting before cooking.
- Thumbprint in the center: Avoids domed patties.
- Let them rest after cooking: Juices redistribute for better flavor.
What to Serve With Patties
Pair your patty with:
- Buns: Classic sesame, brioche, or whole wheat
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, avocado
- Sauces: Ketchup, mayo, mustard, sriracha, aioli
- Sides: Fries, coleslaw, salad, sweet potato wedges
Storing and Freezing Patties
- Fridge: Store raw patties up to 2 days, cooked patties up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap uncooked patties in wax paper and freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months.
To cook from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make patties without eggs or breadcrumbs?
Yes! For pure meat patties, eggs and breadcrumbs aren’t necessary. But for plant-based or poultry patties, a binder helps.
2. Why are my patties falling apart?
It could be due to overhandling or using very lean meat. Add an egg or breadcrumbs to help bind.
3. What can I use instead of beef?
Ground chicken, turkey, lamb, beans, lentils, or mushrooms make great alternatives.