Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue Recipe

Ground beef: The base of the patties, providing a rich and meaty flavor.

Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the mixture.

Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory taste with its unique blend of flavors.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the patties.

Chopped onions: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the beef.

When forming the patties, make sure to handle the ground beef mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat. Overworking can lead to tough patties. Additionally, create a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the patties cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste mixed with vinegar and honey: This combination can mimic the tangy and sweet profile of ketchup.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce mixed with a dash of lemon juice: This mixture can replicate the umami and slightly tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor profile.

• chopped onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.

• Allow the patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay separate and makes it easier to grab just one or two at a time.
• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the patties have been stored.
• Store the patties in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the patties on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and taste freshly made.
• Serve the reheated patties with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, or coleslaw.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover patties on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the patties with another piece of aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the patties are warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the patties in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the patties on the grill.
  3. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the patties in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and pat dry before serving.

• Grill: Used to cook the patties to perfection, providing that smoky, charred flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground beef with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and chopped onions.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties on the grill to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the ketchup and chopped onions.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Knife: Important for chopping the onions finely.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onions.

• Plate: Used to hold the formed patties before grilling and to serve the cooked patties.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the patties on the grill and removing them once cooked.

Pre-mix ingredients: Combine the ground beef, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and chopped onions the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a burger press: A burger press can help you form uniform patties quickly and efficiently.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking to save time.

Batch cooking: Grill extra patties and freeze them for a quick meal later.

Chop onions in advance: Pre-chop your onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.