Description
A recipe for juicy hamburgers featuring a rich, homemade Smoked Paprika and Caramelized Onion Glaze that builds layers of savory, sweet, and smoky notes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.3 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and a pinch of the salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized and tender. Do not rush this step.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan with the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds to allow the spice to bloom and release its aroma.
- Finish the Glaze: Add the light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Hamburger Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the remaining salt and the freshly ground black pepper. Avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions and gently form them into patties about 0.75 inch (1.8 cm) thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Glaze the Burgers: During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, generously brush the top of each patty with the prepared Smoked Paprika & Caramelized Onion Glaze. Flip the patties and brush the other side, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and create a glossy crust. Repeat once more if desired.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the glazed hamburger patties from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
To achieve a restaurant-quality finish, do not rush the onion caramelization; this step builds the deep flavor base for the glaze. The glaze can be made ahead of time for easier weeknight cooking. If the glaze thickens too much on standing, add 1-2 tablespoons more broth or water to thin it out slightly. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 420 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: hamburger seasoning, ground beef, smoked paprika, caramelized onion glaze, juicy burger, high-protein meal, family-friendly, stovetop, american