A lot of people come to me and ask about the differences between a steakburger and a regular hamburger. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about these two classic sandwiches.
A Brief History of Hamburgers and Steakburgers
To understand how steakburgers differ from hamburgers, it helps to know the origins of each.
The Humble Origins of the Hamburger
While debated, most agree hamburgers traces back to Hamburg, Germany where beef was minced and combined with breadcrumbs into patties called “Hamburg steaks”. These were brought over by German immigrants to America in the 1800s.
As beef became more available in the early 1900s, hamburgers grew into a popular dish, especially in fast food starting in the 1920s/30s. The hamburger became an American classic for its simplicity, convenience and affordability using regular ground beef.
The Rise of the Steakburger
The steakburger emerged later as an upscale version of the hamburger. As steakhouses and fine dining restaurants opened, chefs looked to elevate the humble hamburger.
By using trimmings from premium steak cuts like ribeye, sirloin or tenderloin and grinding them minimally for a steak-like texture, the steakburger was born in the 1960s/70s. This gave diners a gourmet burger experience on par with steaks.
The steakburger surged in popularity through the 1980s/90s at chef-driven restaurants wanting to offer a high-end burger using quality ingredients. This distinguished it from the mass-produced hamburger.
Key Differences in Ingredients
The ingredients used in steakburgers and hamburgers set them apart in terms of flavor, texture and juiciness.
Steakburgers Use Premium Steak Trimmings
The defining ingredient of a steakburger is that it uses meat from premium beef cuts like ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin or short loin. Trimmings too small for steaks are ground into steakburger patties instead.
This gives steakburgers a bolder, beefier flavor compared to hamburgers along with a tender, juicy texture. They contain more marbling as well which adds richness.
Hamburgers Use Regular Ground Beef
Hamburgers are made using regular ground beef which contains trimmings from less prized cuts of beef like chuck, round, and brisket.
These areas are leaner with less marbling so hamburgers will have a comparatively milder flavor and can become dry if overcooked. The fat content is around 20%.
Grinding Methods Differ
Steakburgers are coarsely ground or hand-chopped leaving nice big chunks for texture. Hamburgers use a finer grind for a smoother, uniform consistency.
This coarser texture is key to the steakburger’s performance when cooked, allowing it to get crispy and browned on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Cooking and Serving Differences
With the ingredient variations between steakburgers and hamburgers, they will behave differently during cooking and have distinct uses.
Cooking Temperatures
The higher fat content of steakburgers allows their cooking to medium or medium rare while staying moist. Hamburgers need to be cooked to at least medium doneness since they have less fat.
For ultimate juiciness, you should cook steakburgers hot and fast over high heat such as on a grill or flat top. Hamburgers do best with a more moderate cooking temperature.
Developing a Crust
The coarse grind of steakburgers creates more surface area for the Maillard reaction to occur when cooked, developing a deep crust and tons of flavor.
Hamburgers won’t develop as much of a flavorful crust due to their fine grind and lower fat content. Hamburgers can also become dense and chewy if cooked too aggressively.
Doneness Temperatures
Given their differences, here are the ideal internal temperatures to cook steakburgers and hamburgers to:
- Rare Steakburger: 120-125°F
- Medium Rare Steakburger: 130-135°F
- Medium Steakburger: 140-145°F
- Medium Hamburger: 160°F
- Well Done Hamburger: 170°F+
Use an instant read thermometer to monitor doneness for best results. Let rest for 5 minutes after cooking as well.
Pairing with Buns and Toppings
Steakburgers demand substantial buns like brioche, pretzel or potato rolls to stand up to their heartiness. Their robust flavor stands alone so they need minimal toppings beyond cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and sauce.
Since hamburgers have a more neutral taste, they pair well with sesame, potato and whole wheat buns. Their mild flavor also welcomes lots of toppings like pickles, bacon, avocado, unique sauces and more.
Uses in Other Dishes
Given its premium beefiness, steakburger meat makes an amazing addition to pastas, tacos, nachos, pizzas and other dishes wanting a flavor boost. It can even be eaten sans bun as a standalone steak.
Hamburgers are best used in classics like sliders, sandwiches, salads and other simple preparations. Their mild taste benefits most from pairing with lots of flavorful toppings and condiments.
Price and Availability Differences
With the extra effort to make steakburgers, there are noticeable differences in cost and where they can be found compared to standard hamburgers.
Steakburgers Cost More
Using high quality steak trimmings means steakburgers are more expensive. Expect to pay $12-15 for a restaurant steakburger compared to $5-10 for a hamburger.
Making them at home has similar differences depending on the beef you buy. Steakburgers are a splurge item.
Where to Find Steakburgers
Upscale restaurants, steakhouses and gastropubs are your best bet for ordering a well-crafted steakburger made with care. Steakhouses like mine pride themselves on serving exceptional steakburgers.
Hamburgers can be found at all types of restaurants from fast food to family diners given their simple ingredients. Hamburgers are everywhere.
Markets Carry Ground Beef, Not Steakburgers
You’ll find regular ground beef at any supermarket, but likely not premade steakburger blends. You’ll have to buy steak trimmings from a butcher to grind your own steakburger patties at home.
Is a Steakburger Worth It?
With their differences illuminated, should you spend the extra time and money to make steakburgers instead of basic hamburgers?
Occasional Splurges Are Worth It
I believe enjoying a well-crafted steakburger made with quality ingredients is absolutely worth the splurge on special occasions or whenever you crave a sublime meaty indulgence.
Hamburgers Hit the Spot Too
That said, humble hamburgers have their place in every griller’s repertoire as well. Affordable, convenient and nostalgic, hamburgers are the people’s burger.
It Depends on the Event
Steakburgers shine at upscale dinner parties, date nights, or celebratory meals when you want to impress. Hamburgers are perfect for backyard BBQs, picnics, family dinners and anytime you crave their comforting flavor.
Conclusion
While similar in form, steakburgers and hamburgers differ considerably in terms of ingredients, textures, cooking methods, price and perceived quality.
Steakburgers aim to elevate the humble hamburger by using premium steak trimmings, a coarser grind and higher cooking temperatures to achieve a bolder, beefier flavor and tender, juicy bite. They are worth the splurge for special occasions.
Yet classic hamburgers hold their own with their affordability, nostalgic taste and versatility to be dressed up infinite ways. At the end of the day, both satisfy our cravings in their own right and have earned their place in America’s culinary history.