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Perfect Charcoal Grilled Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onion and Gruyere for Juicy Flavor

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A smoky, juicy charcoal grilled burger topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese, perfect for backyard cookouts and simple yet special meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) ground chuck beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
  • 6 ounces (170g) Gruyere cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Leafy lettuce or baby arugula
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Favorite condiments like Dijon mustard or mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat. Cook slowly, stirring every 5 minutes. After 15 minutes, add brown sugar. Continue cooking until onions are deep golden brown and soft, about 30 minutes total. Stir in balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Light the charcoal using a chimney starter with about 30 briquettes. When coals are covered in white ash (15-20 minutes), spread evenly in the grill base.
  3. Form the burger patties: In a bowl, combine ground chuck, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined. Divide into 4 equal portions (~6 ounces each) and shape into patties slightly larger than buns. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  4. Grill the patties over hot coals for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping once. Avoid pressing the patties. In the last 2 minutes, place Gruyere slices on patties and close grill lid to melt cheese.
  5. Toast the buns cut-side down on the cooler part of the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  6. Assemble the burgers: Spread condiments on buns, add lettuce and tomato slice, then the cheese-topped patty. Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions and pickles if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Make a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Avoid pressing patties while grilling to retain juiciness. If caramelized onions cool, gently warm before serving. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups. Clean grill before use for best flavor and safety. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcoal grilled burger, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, backyard cookout, juicy burger, smoky flavor, easy burger recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/perfect-charcoal-grilled-burger-recipe-with-caramelized-onion-and-gruyere-for-juicy-flavor/