What's Your Burger Mastery Level?

Discover where you stand on your journey to burger perfection. In just 4 quick questions, we'll assess your burger knowledge—from meat selection and seasoning secrets to grilling technique and topping strategy. Get your personalised roadmap to become the burger master at your next barbie, plus insider tips you won't find anywhere else.

When it comes to selecting beef for burgers, what's your current approach?

I grab whatever mince is on sale at the supermarket without checking the fat content. I know fat content matters, but I'm not sure about the ideal ratio for burgers. I aim for roughly 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, but I don't always get it right. I ask my butcher for a specific 80/20 blend and understand why this ratio is crucial.

How do you currently season your beef burger patties?

I mix salt, pepper, and seasonings into the raw meat before forming patties. I season the patties just before cooking, but I'm not strategic about it. I season before cooking and add a touch more mid-cook, but I'm not consistent. I use the three-layer method: season raw, add seasoning on the grill, then finish before serving.

What's your go-to grilling technique for burgers on the BBQ?

I cook on one temperature zone and flip multiple times to check progress. I use high heat throughout and try to avoid flipping too much, but results are inconsistent. I've heard about two-zone grilling but haven't mastered the timing yet. I use the two-zone method: sear on high (3-4 mins per side), finish on medium, then rest 2-3 minutes.

When building your burger, how do you approach the iconic Aussie toppings?

I throw on whatever toppings I have—beetroot, egg, bacon—without much thought to order or quality. I know beetroot and egg are essential, but I'm not sure about the best assembly order. I layer toppings thoughtfully (beetroot first, fried egg, bacon, lettuce), but I sometimes skip caramelised onions. I nail the full stack: beetroot foundation, fried egg with runny yolk, crispy bacon, caramelised onions, fresh lettuce, and custom sauce.