Techniques
Troubleshooting
Tip
Beginner
1 min

Flatten burger patties so they don’t shrink off the bun as they cook

Press patties flatter/wider so normal cooking shrinkage doesn’t make them smaller than the bun.

The video advises flattening the patty out so that when it cooks and shrinks a bit, it won’t shrink off the sides of the bun. Pressing on a board helps achieve the shape.

The short version

  • Expect shrinkage.
  • Start a bit wider/flatter than the bun target.

What goes wrong

Forming patties the exact bun size before cooking

Flatten them so they’ll still cover the bun after shrinkage.

Why it works

Ground meat contracts during cooking; starting slightly wider helps match the bun after shrinkage.

Put it to use

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