Frank's Perfect Homemade Burgers by Epicurious

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 ratio)
• 1 Yellow onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 8 slices White American cheese, deli-sliced
• 4 Potato buns
• 4 large leaves Lettuce
• 1/2 cup Mini dill pickles, thinly sliced into coins
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Neutral oil (like vegetable oil, or chicken/beef fat if available)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

Instructions

1. Divide the cold ground beef into four equal portions for quarter-pound patties. Form each portion into a firm ball by gently slapping it in your hand. Then, flatten each ball into a patty that is slightly larger and thinner than your bun, as it will shrink during cooking. Do not season the patties yet.
2. Prepare the onion by trimming the top and bottom, then cutting it in half. Slice the halves into thin half-moons against the grain for a tender texture.
3. Heat a stainless steel pan over high heat until very hot. Add a thin layer of neutral oil, just enough to coat the bottom, and wait for it to ripple and produce small wisps of smoke.
4. Generously season the top side of two patties with salt and pepper from a high distance for even dispersion. Carefully place the seasoned side down into the hot pan, dropping them away from you to avoid splashes. Reduce heat to medium-high.
5. Immediately place a generous amount of sliced onions on top of each cooking patty and sprinkle the onions with a pinch of salt. Cook first side for about 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
6. Using a metal spatula, flip the burgers. Lightly press down on the patties only enough to ensure the onions adhere. Do not flatten the burger, as this presses out juices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching for juices to emerge from the top, indicating internal cooking.
7. Add two slices of American cheese to each patty. Place the potato buns directly on top of the cheeseburgers, covering them to allow the cheese to melt and the buns to steam and warm through. Cook for about 60-90 seconds until cheese is fully melted and buns are warm. Total cook time should be 6-8 minutes for a medium burger (meat will be slightly pink but not red).
8. Remove the burgers and buns from the pan and let them rest briefly while you prepare the sauce and toppings. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute.
9. For the burger sauce, combine equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Spread this sauce onto the bottom bun. Layer with dill pickle coins (using them as 'anchors' to prevent sliding) and a single leaf of lettuce.
10. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the lettuce and complete with the top bun. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly assembled burger Frank style!