The Perfect Burger

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef chuck (80 percent lean)
• Vegetable oil for grates
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 4 hamburger buns split and lightly grilled or toasted
• Lettuce tomato, or other toppings, as desired

Instructions

1. 1
   Evenly divide meat into 4 portions. With a light touch, gently form each one into a ball, then shape into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. With thumb, make a 1/4-inch-deep indentation in the center of each (this prevents burgers from getting rounded tops during grilling). Transfer to a plate; cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to 1 day.
2. 2
   Heat grill to high (it should be difficult to hold your hand above the grates). Moisten a folded paper towel with vegetable oil; grasp with tongs, and quickly wipe over the grates. Generously season patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Place patties on grill; cover, and cook to desired doneness, 2 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve burgers on buns with desired toppings.