Why Gordon Ramsay Adds An Egg Yolk To Burger Patty Meat - Tasting Table (2024)

ByEmily Boyette/

While more and more people are turning to beef alternatives, whipping up a burger madefromblack beans,turkey,chicken, or evenlambstill doesn'tquite compare to a classic, beefysmash burgerfor the average meat-lover or burger connoisseur. In fact, when Top Chef's Gordon Ramsay was asked on a Reddit post what the five dishes everyone should know how to cook are, the first thing he mentioned was a really good burger, explaining that it's a favorite for many and that achieving the perfect blend of meat is crucial. And he's right; when biting into this type of delicious sandwich, the first thing you'll probably notice is the meat. Whether it be the texture, flavor, or both — beef isthe main ingredient and it needs the most love.

So to prepare for grillingseason, it might be time to give your burger recipe a second look.If you're only preparing your beef patties with seasonings before it hits the grill, it's time to listen to Ramsay's advice and take it up a notch withanother protein source: the incredible, edibleegg — or egg yolk to be precise.

Egg yolk acts as a binder and adds flavor

Why Gordon Ramsay Adds An Egg Yolk To Burger Patty Meat - Tasting Table (2)

Yulia YasPe/Shutterstock

In a YouTube video demonstrating his top 10 tips for the perfect burger, Ramsay separates an egg and kneads the yolk into his raw beef mixture. After forming it into a patty, he explains that the egg actually helps bind the meat together, and adds an incredibly rich flavor to the burger patty. As a good rule of thumb, it's best to add one yolk per pound of ground beef.

While this rule may seem more like a recipe for meatloaf compared to a fresh-off-the-grill burger, a whole egg is required in meatloaf, whereas only the egg yolk is best when blending into burger patties. This is due to the fact that egg whites and egg yolks do completely opposite jobs when in contact with beef. Egg whites can actually draw out the moisture in ground beef, whereas egg yolks retain the meat's juices. So, next time you're thinking about tossing the whole egg into your mix, remember that it can drastically change the flavor and texture of your grilled patty. So separate anegg or two and use the yolk to help you achieveflavorful, juicy, well-formed burger patties.

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Why Gordon Ramsay Adds An Egg Yolk To Burger Patty Meat - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

Why Gordon Ramsay Adds An Egg Yolk To Burger Patty Meat - Tasting Table? ›

Egg yolk acts as a binder and adds flavor

Why do people put eggs on burgers? ›

It makes the burger taste more luxurious.

So, when you have an egg on a burger, the yolk soaks into the bun, creating one of the best flavor combinations imaginable. And what's better than the subtle savoriness of egg yolk? That, combined with the yolk's creaminess, elevates the whole flavor profile of the burger.

Do burger patties need egg? ›

One of the most important steps to making hamburger patties from scratch is binding the ingredients together. If they aren't bound well, the patties will start to fall apart as soon as you start cooking them. The most commonly used binding agent for hamburger patties is eggs.

What function does egg act in making burger? ›

Adding an egg to a burger mix serves multiple purposes. It helps bind the ingredients together, providing a cohesive texture to the patty. Additionally, the egg contributes moisture, making the burger juicier. The proteins in the egg also aid in firming up the patty during cooking.

What is the 777 dollar burger Gordon Ramsay? ›

According to Ramsay, the pub is known for its 777 burger, which is made with an American Wagyu patty, lobster meat, American goat cheese, pancetta, foie gras, arugula, and 100-year-old balsamic vinegar. After tasting it, D'Acampo and Ramsay both thought it was delicious.

What gives burgers their taste? ›

Restaurants pick the best beef with the right fat content, around 20% to 30%, making their burgers juicier and more flavourful. Chefs use special cooking techniques like the perfect patty size, professional seasoning right before cooking, and flat top griddles for an even sear.

Why put egg yolk in a burger? ›

Egg yolk acts as a binder and adds flavor

After forming it into a patty, he explains that the egg actually helps bind the meat together, and adds an incredibly rich flavor to the burger patty. As a good rule of thumb, it's best to add one yolk per pound of ground beef.

Do you use egg yolk to bind burgers? ›

Generally you'd use the whole egg. The egg white provides most of the structural integrity, but the yolk does a little too. Also, the yolk helps with what might otherwise be a rubbery texture. Letting the patties sit in the refrigerator for half an hour or so will also help them stay together.

How many eggs to put in hamburger meat? ›

Add 1 egg yolk per pound of hamburger. It won't add appreciably to the fat content and will bind the meat beautifully. The other thing you can do is add canned, drained, crushed black beans or chickpeas to the hamburger. The starch from the beans will bind the meat together and add an interesting taste.

What is a burger with an egg called? ›

Commonly referred to as a "fried egg burger" or "egg-topped burger," this variation of a burger typically includes ingredients such as a beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, condiments, and, importantly, a fried or poached egg.

Is Worcestershire sauce good in hamburgers? ›

Seasoned Salt or regular salt and pepper, Worcestershire Sauce and garlic or onion powder are staple seasonings for burgers. Really any combo of seasoning works, it just depends on your taste. You can try OLD BAY Seasoning or Grill Mates Montreal Steak for a quick fix, as well as other bold seasoning blends.

What is a good binder for burgers? ›

No, eggs are not necessary for binding burger patties, though they are commonly used for binding them. However, you can use other binding agents such as breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, potato starch, flour, and porridge oats to bind burger patties according to your preferences.

Who started putting eggs on burgers? ›

Otto Kuase. According to White Castle, Otto Kuase was the inventor of the hamburger. In 1891, he created a beef patty cooked in butter and topped with a fried egg. German sailors later omitted the fried egg.

Why use just egg yolks? ›

Egg yolks are often used alone or along with egg whites to create smooth, creamy curds, rich sauces like hollandaise, frozen desserts like ice cream, and custards such as flan. Unlike egg whites, egg yolks can impart both flavor and color.

What can I use instead of egg in hamburgers? ›

What can you use to bind burgers instead of egg? In theory, you could use bread crumbs—I recommend using coarse, crustless fresh white bread crumbs—or even grated Parmesan cheese. The best way of getting your burgers to hold together is by using a medium grind 80% beef 20% fat ground chuck and a burger press.

How do you make Gordon Ramsay burger sauce? ›

As my burgers cooked, I prepped Ramsay's special sauce.

I mixed four tablespoons of mayonnaise with two teaspoons of sriracha in a small bowl, along with some salt and pepper.

What is the best blend for burgers? ›

Adding hard working muscles that contain a lot of myoglobin will lower the cost of your end product while enhancing that flavor. A good basic mixture would be to use 50% chuck (the cheap and lean), 25% rib plate (the fatty parts) and 25% brisket (the fatty and beef flavor).

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