Bobby Flay Only Uses 2 Basic Seasonings On Burgers

Sometimes simple is best and that's the thinking behind how chef Bobby Flay seasons his hamburgers. While a walk down the spice aisle at the grocery store may present a variety of seasoning combinations advertised as great for burgers, steaks, and more, if you want to be like the famous grill master, you only need two seasonings on that beef patty. And it's clear Flay knows a thing or two about burgers (the food he craves when he is done cooking). He started Bobby's Burgers By Bobby Flay in 2008 which now has locations in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Yankee Stadium in New York City, and three locations in Las Vegas. Specializing in hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes, the restaurants are a true American dining experience. He even has a cookbook focusing just on those three foods, as well as other published guides to grilling. 

But while many chefs like to make a hamburger that is stacked so high with ingredients and unique flavors that it's hard to fit it in your mouth, Flay says he likes to keep it simple with just a few ingredients so the individual flavors stand out. The same is true for how he seasons the patty before cooking.

When it comes to making a flavorful hamburger from ground chuck that is 80% lean and 20% fat, Flay seasons it with just salt and pepper. After he creates the burger patty with an indentation in the center (to help the patty cook evenly and keep its shape), Flay seasons both sides of it with a good amount of salt and pepper and skips any kind of herbs, onions, or other seasonings. As he told TODAY Food, you're making a hamburger and not a meatloaf. By seasoning the patties after he forms them, Flay is keeping the beef loose which produces a tender hamburger as the patty cooks. While Flay doesn't suggest a certain measurement of salt or pepper, the rule of thumb is to use a generous amount of both.

In keeping with the theme of simple, yet delicious, Flay opts to go with toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, bacon, fried eggs, and cheese. The ingredients are then sandwiched between a typical hamburger bun and the only thing left to do is enjoy the savory masterpiece.