Tips from Brian Paquette: Making the Perfect Burger
Introduction to Brian Paquette
Brian Paquette, the head of culinary at Chili’s, is no stranger to the art of crafting delicious burgers. With years of experience, including running his own catering company, he has honed his skills to bring restaurant-quality burgers into people’s homes. As summer draws to a close and cookouts become a staple for gatherings, Paquette shared his insights and best tips for creating the perfect burger.
Starting with Quality Ingredients
Paquette asserts that the journey to a perfect burger begins at the grocery store. The secret lies in the choice of beef. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right kind of beef, preferably fresh over frozen, as it promises better flavor and quality. If you’re opting for pre-made patties, he suggests going to the meat case for fresh options instead of the freezer section. “We make and hand-smash all our burgers in-restaurant at Chili’s,” he shares, recommending a similar approach for home cooks.
Preparing the Grill
A “really clean, really hot” grill is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on your burger. According to Paquette, one of the most common mistakes people make is not preheating the grill sufficiently. He cautions that meat placed on a grill that isn’t hot enough may end up overcooked or lack that desirable char. For larger gatherings, ensuring your grill is cleaned and heated properly is key to serving consistently great-tasting burgers.
Seasoning is Key
When it comes to seasoning, Paquette advocates for a simple yet effective approach. Season one side of the patty before placing it on the grill, and be sure to season the other side once it’s cooking. “People often don’t season their burgers enough,” he states. Use a generous amount of seasoning—he suggests four shakes on each side—because some of it will inevitably melt away during cooking.
Cooking the Perfect Burger
Once your patties are on the grill, it’s time to keep a close eye on the cooking process. Paquette recommends lowering the heat to medium after placing the burgers on the grill to achieve those signature char marks and maintain juiciness. To ensure they are cooked to perfection, he advises using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 157 degrees. This method eliminates the risk of overcooking while ensuring that your burgers are safe to eat.
Smash Burgers vs. Grill Burgers
For those who prefer smash burgers, Paquette has some specific tips. Make the patties about an inch wider than the buns to accommodate shrinkage during cooking. This will create those delightful charred bits that enhance flavor. Also, avoid smashing the burger once it’s on the grill, as that will cause the juices to escape. Instead, you should flatten it before it hits the grill.
Choosing the Right Toppings
When it comes to toppings, Paquette encourages simplicity. Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and ketchup never go out of style. He underscores the importance of choosing the right bun—a brioche-style bun or a soft potato roll offers both flavor and structure to hold the burger together. Don’t forget to toast the bun with a little butter for that extra touch.
For those looking to mix things up, Paquette suggests adding jalapeños or trying a kick of Thousand Island dressing. He notes that fresh ingredients make a significant difference in elevating your burger experience.
Replicating Chili’s Fan-Favorites
If you’re a fan of Chili’s burgers and want to recreate that experience at home, Paquette offers practical advice. For example, to emulate the Big Smasher from the menu, you’ll need essentials such as American cheese, diced red onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing. Similarly, for the flavorful Alex’s Santa Fe burger—complete with avocado, pepper jack cheese, and spicy Santa Fe sauce—he recommends grilling jalapeños and using them as a topping for an authentic taste.
Final Words on Flavor
Ultimately, the art of crafting the perfect burger lies in sourcing quality ingredients, preparing your grill, applying appropriate seasoning, and opting for the right toppings and bun. With these expert tips from Brian Paquette, your next burger cookout is sure to impress your guests and satisfy those cravings for a delicious, perfectly cooked burger.