This Ice Cube Burger is one of the most creative cooking hacks we’ve come across! This innovative recipe, popularized by the accomplished chef, Graham Elliot, takes a regular burger patty and makes it juicier than ever.
This recipe is a twist on Graham Elliot’s cooking hack mentioned on Fox News. It adds a flavorful twist to your classic burger by incorporating a frozen broth ice cube inside the patty. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that will impress even the most discerning palates.
While the ice cube burger may sound like a daunting recipe, it’s actually quite simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and the right equipment, you can recreate this mouth-watering dish right in your own backyard.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, the ice cube burger is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to up their burger game. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family by cooking great food. So fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready to become the backyard BBQ hero with this delicious and innovative ice cube burger recipe!
Overview: Ice Cube Burger
In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering burger ready to serve up with your favorite toppings.
- Combine beef broth, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning in an ice cube tray the night before.
- Form the patties and place the beef broth ice cube in the center of 4 of the patties, then place the remaining 4 patties on top to seal in the ice cube.
- Cook on medium-high heat (400°F) for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
What is An Ice Cube Burger?
An ice cube burger is a regular burger patty that has an ice cube placed in the center before cooking.
This very strange cooking tip was popularized by Master Chef Graham Elliot, who has been nominated for a James Beard Award multiple times, opened restaurants, and has appeared on numerous TV shows. Now, before you judge Graham Elliot, hear us out!
The idea behind the ice cube burger is that as the ice cube melts during cooking it adds extra moisture to the patty, resulting in a juicy and delicious burger.
It’s worth noting that the original ice cube burger recipe, as created by Graham Elliot, called for using plain water ice cubes. However, we’ve put our own twist on the recipe by freezing beef broth instead, which adds even more flavor to the burger.
While the concept may sound strange, it has become quite popular among backyard BBQ enthusiasts and is definitely worth trying out for yourself.
How To Make Ice Cube Burgers
Make The Ice Cubes The Night Before
To make this recipe even more flavorful, we’re going to start the night before by making beef broth ice cubes. These ice cubes will add a burst of beefy flavor to the burgers when they cook.
Take a little ice cube tray and mix together beef broth, salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning. Pour this mixture into the ice cube tray and place it in the freezer overnight. This will give the ice cubes enough time to freeze and be ready for the burgers.
Preheat Grill To Medium-High Heat (400°F)
To cook these burgers, you’ll need a grill that can get up to medium-high heat, around 400°F. You can use a kamado grill or any other type of grill that you have but you need to know how to use the grill. Before you start cooking, make sure the grill is clean and set up for direct grilling.
Make Burger Patties
While the grill is heating up, it’s time to prepare the burgers. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions of 1/4 lb. each. This will make 4 burgers with beef broth ice cubes inside.
Take each portion of beef and form it into a patty that’s about 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Make sure the patties are evenly sized and shaped so that they cook evenly on the grill.
Add Ice Cubes
Take 4 of the patties that you made and create a small indentation in the center using your thumb. This is where the beef broth ice cube will go. Make sure the indentation isn’t too deep, as you don’t want to puncture through the bottom of the patty. The indentation should be just big enough to hold the small ice cube. Place one beef broth ice cube in each of the indentations. The beef broth ice cubes will start to melt as the burgers cook, infusing the beef with extra flavor.
Take the remaining 4 patties and place them on top of the patties with the beef broth ice cubes inside. Press the edges of the patties together to seal them, making sure that none of the beef broth will escape while cooking.
Season Burger Patties
Seasoning the patties will help enhance their natural flavor and provide a delicious crust when grilled. Use a generous amount of salt and pepper, and make sure to season both sides.
Cook Burger Patty
Once your kamado grill has reached 400°F, place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. This is the most accurate way to determine their doneness. As the burgers cook, resist the temptation to press down on them with your spatula. This will only cause the juices to escape and your burger.
Remove Patties From Grill And Rest
Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Letting the burgers rest for a few minutes will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more flavorful and moist burger.
Toast Hamburger Buns
Toast your hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly browned. Toasting the buns will provide a delicious crunch and contrast to the juicy burger. Make sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
Add Toppings & Enjoy!
Add your favorite toppings to the burgers, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and condiments. The options are endless, so get creative and make your perfect ice cube burger!
Serve them up with a side of fries or chips. Enjoy!
Tips For Making Ice Cube Burgers
Cooking the perfect burger can be a challenging task for beginners, but by following a few simple tips, anyone can create a juicy and delicious burger that is sure to impress their friends and family.
High Fat Content Burger Patties
Use ground beef with a high fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15, to ensure that your burgers stay juicy and flavorful.
Seal The Edges
Make sure to seal the edges of the burger patties tightly after adding the beef broth ice cube to prevent the broth from leaking out during cooking.
Don’t Press The Burgers
Resist the temptation to press down on the burgers with your spatula while cooking, as this will cause the juices to escape and result in a dry burger.
Best Beer To Pair With Burgers
Pairing the right beer with your burger can enhance the flavors and make for an unforgettable dining experience. Here are three types of beers that we think would be a great match for this recipe.
American Pale Ale
This hoppy, yet approachable style of beer pairs perfectly with the spicy cajun seasoning used in this recipe. The fruity and floral notes in a pale ale work well to cut through the heat and refresh the palate. Plus, the crisp, bitter finish of an APA can help to balance the richness of the beef and broth.
Munich Dunkel
This dark, malty lager style is perfect for those who want to complement the savory flavors of beef broth and ground beef. With a slight sweetness and a smooth, toasty finish, Munich Dunkel is a great beer to sip alongside an ice cube burger. This beer style also has a subtle bitterness that can help balance the flavors of the dish.
Hefeweizen
For those who want a lighter, refreshing beer to pair with their ice cube burger, we recommend a Hefeweizen. This unfiltered wheat beer has a unique banana and clove flavor profile that pairs well with the mild spices in the burger. The effervescence of a Hefeweizen can also help to cut through the richness of the beef and broth, making for a perfect pairing.
Related Recipes
- Smoked Hamburgers Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Smoked Chocolate Burger Recipe
- Smoked Beer Can Burgers Recipe
- Grilled Frozen Burgers Recipe
Ice Cube Burger
Equipment
- Ice tray
Ingredients
Ice Cubes Marinade
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
Burger
- 3 lb Ground Chuck
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese
Instructions
Ice Cube Marinade
- Combine and mix the broth, salt & pepper, and cajun seasoning in a bowl.
- Get an Ice tray and pour the mixture into it. Freeze overnight.
Ice Cube Burger
- The night before you plan to make the burgers, combine beef broth, salt pepper, and cajun seasoning in an ice cube tray
- Set up your grill and preheat to medium-high heat (400°F)
- While the grill is heating up, divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (1/4 lb. each) and form them into patties that are about 4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick
- Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of 4 of the patties. Make sure the indentation isn't too deep as you don't want to puncture through the bottom of the patty.
- Place one beef broth ice cube in each of the indentations.
- Place the remaining 4 patties on top of the patties with the ice cubes, and press the edges of the patties together to seal them.
- Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Once your kamado grill has reached 400°F, place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
- As the burgers cook, resist the temptation to press down on them with your spatula. This will only cause the juices to escape and your burger will be dry.
- Once the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Toast your hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly browned.
- Add your favorite toppings to the burgers, and serve them up with a side of fries or chips. Enjoy!
Ice Cube Burger FAQs
Should I be worried about ice cubes making the burgers cold?
You don’t need to worry about the ice cubes making your burgers cold. The ice melts pretty quickly during the cooking process, helping to keep your meat moist and resulting in juicy burgers. In fact, the ice cubes are an important component of this recipe, as they help to infuse the burger with flavor from the broth. The cooking method is a bit different from the rare burger.
What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?
We recommend using ground beef with higher fat content, such as 80/20. The fat helps to keep the burgers moist and flavorful.
Can I cook these burgers on a different type of grill?
Yes, you can cook these burgers on a gas or charcoal grill as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Can I use a different type of seasoning instead of cajun seasoning?
Of course! You can experiment with different types of seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that suit your personal taste.
How can I tell if my burgers are cooked to the proper temperature?
We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that your burgers reach an internal temperature of 160°F for medium doneness. This will ensure that your burgers are safe to eat and are cooked to your desired level of doneness.