The best hamburgers are juicy and flavorful. However, adding salt to the hamburger mix, even a tiny amount, will cause the meat to form a texture that is similar to sausage. This is no good for burgers and here’s why.
Salt is especially good at dissolving protein, so when it’s added in with meat and other seasonings, it will start to break down the hamburger before it has even hit the grill. Test Kitchen expert James Schend paints a very good picture as to what happens when you salt in advance: “What you end up with is a very tightly compacted patty whose texture is similar to sausage. Think about when you bite into a sausage – that firm, almost rubbery texture is perfect for links, but is that the texture you want in your burger?”
The best-cooked burgers should be tender and moist, definitely not rubbery. This isn’t to say that you should skip the salt altogether, though. Make your patties and then add the salt just before you’re about to put them on the heat.
What about Other Foods?
You probably throw more than burgers on the grill, so what happens to other foods when they meet salt? Schend has some more insight.
Going all out for your next BBQ with some homemade hot dogs? Schend recommends salting the meat before stuffing them into their casing; you’ll need the firm texture salt provides so your dogs hold their shape.
Whole Cuts of Meat
For steak or roast, you might want to use a brine (three cups of water, a quarter cup of salt, and a quarter cup of sugar). Let it rest for about one hour for two pounds of meat. Before cooking, pat the meat dry.
Other Ground Meats
Whether it’s ground poultry or pork, the proteins will all start to dissolve and stick to itself (when salted), forming that sausage-like texture. So salt just before placing on the heat.
Vegetables
You’re good to add salt and other seasonings as you please when it comes to grilling veggies as this won’t change their texture.
Source: rd
Images: depositphotos
How to Get Chocolate Stains Off Your Favorite Material
A chocolate stain can be one of the trickiest stains to remove as it’s known as a combination stain. Thankfully, these tips will help!
WARNING: These 10 Common Flowers Are Poisonous!
Flowers add an array of color to your garden, but some of these are actually quite toxic. Here are 10 of that you should be aware of.
11 Simple Health Hacks to Change Your Life for the Better
To get healthy quick, all we need to do is follow these instant health upgrades. Take a look!
Low on Estrogen? Add These 8 Foods to Your Diet...
If you have been told that you need to boost your estrogen levels, here are 8 foods that you should consider adding to your diet.
10 Simple Ways to Significantly Reduce Your Carb Intake
Are you looking to lose some weight? Here are ten ways that you can significantly reduce your carb intake!
Feeling Down? These 10 Foods Can Help Improve Your Mood
The food that we eat can help increase our moods and get rid of depression. Find out more here!
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
Why This Sleep Condition Affects Our Cognitive Abilities
What is the link between sleep apnea and a reduction in cognitive abilities? Let's find out...
A Clever Trick For Keeping Your Favorite Snacks Fresh
This video will show you a simple trick that will keep your very perishable snacks fresh.
10 Tips for Cleaning With Salt - Number 8 is My Favorite..
Salt can be found in every home, but besides for cooking, it is efficient and useful for cleaning. Here are 10 effective ways to use salt for cleaning.
Can't Fall Back Asleep? Try These 8 Genius Tricks
Do you wake up in the middle of the night? Thankfully, there are some natural remedies you can try, that will get you back to falling asleep quickly, making any unwelcome moments of wakefulness seem like nothing more than a fleeting dream.
20 Incredibly Helpful Things You Can Do With Vinegar
Here are some great tips on how to use vinegar around the house. Try out some of these solutions and vinegar will never just be a salad dressing again!
Seniors Living Alone Should Always Have These Items
Want to make life easier on your elderly loved one who lives alone? Check this list.
Scent Your Home with this Simple 3-Ingredient DIY Diffuser!
I never knew making your own home diffuser can be this easy!
12 Things Car Thieves Don't Want You to Know...
Every 43 seconds, a car is being stolen in the United States, which is close to one million vehicles a year. These tips could prevent you becoming a victim.
Use This Tip to Slice Onions Safely, Easily & Beautifully
Slicing onions using only a knife is very difficult - and quite dangerous too. But with this amazing tip you'll keep your fingers safe and the slices perfect!
15 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Home Spotless With Ease
Tips and tricks that'll help you keep your home clean with speed and ease.
10 Household Items You Should Disinfect Every Day
Here is a list of 10 essential household things that you simply must disinfect during the winter months.
This is the Right Way to Load a Dishwasher For Best Results
What's the best way to load your dishwasher? Find out in this guide.
WATCH: 7 Alternative Uses of Rice That Will Surprise You
Rice isn't just a delicious and wholesome grain, it's got a whole host of other surprising uses...
Persistent Bad Breath? Not With These Natural Remedies
Don't worry, there are plenty of natural remedies for this problem!
How to Fold a Shirt in Just Under 2 Seconds!
A great DIY guide to folding shirt in just 2 seconds each!
Tip: It Is Possible to Peel an Orange in a Few Seconds
Peel oranges in just a few seconds and in the most effective method possible.
Spruce Up Your Dinner Table With These Napkin Techniques
Holidays are always a time of cheer. Spruce up your dining table with these 8 easy-to-try napkin techniques.
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
Make Home-Made, Special Treats for Your Dog or Cat
Want to make sure your pet gets the healthiest treats without ant preservatives? Use these recipes to make your own treats. Your pet will thank you for it!
6 Humane Ways to Keep Stray Cats off Your Property
If you have a problem with stray cats, this article will provide you with 6 humane ways toy can keep unwanted cats out of your property.
Say Goodbye to Rotten Fruits & Veggies with These 12 Tips
The way you store your groceries can affect their shelf life. These 12 tips will help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
How to Clean and Organize a Leather or Fabric Wallet
Your wallet has more germs than a toilet, but most rarely clean theirs. This guide will walk you through deep cleaning and organizing your wallet.
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
Is Your Bathroom as Clean as It Could Be? Probably Not!
Is your bathroom as clean as it could be? Follow these 10 tips to ensure a cleaner bathroom.
20 Great Kitchen Tips That'll Save You On Money and Effort!
Make your kitchen that much more efficient and less time consuming with these 20 great tips that might change your kitchen experience forever.
Don’t Throw Out These Foods When They Hit The Expiry Date
All 14 of these foods shouldn’t typically be tossed when they reach their expiration date, and you’re about to find out why.
Baby Oil Can Do Things You Never Even Considered!
Baby oil is usually used to keep your baby's skin soft, but in the next article, you'll get ideas for six more effective and surprising ways to use it.
Replace These Popular Drinks With These Healthier Ones!
The most popular cocktails contain alcohol and a lot of calories. Thankfully there are healthier cocktail alternatives. Take a look! The most popular cocktails contain alcohol and a lot of calories.
Did You Know You Shouldn't Store These Foods in the Fridge?
Contrary to popular belief, these 10 foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator for a variety of reasons. Read this post to find out more.
Incredibly Interesting Facts and Figures About the World
These facts and figures about the world are the most interesting you have ever read.
You MUST Pay Attention to These Numbers When Buying Fruit
The numbers you see on fruit have much more significance than you think. You can learn everything you need to know about the fruit you're buying from them.
6 Simple and Important Flexibility Exercises for Seniors
Regain flexibility after 60 with these easy exercises.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Coffee...
Is coffee healthy? Is it addictive? Is there any way to reuse coffee grounds? Find the answer these question in this coffee themed collection
13 Great Secret Hiding Spots That Burglars Will Never Find
Here are a few practical places to properly hide your cash and valuables from professional criminals.
Do You Know How to Use a Tape Measure? Are You SURE?
The humble tape measure is a more sophisticated tool than you thought...
WATCH: 10 Amazing Life-Hacks You Wish You Knew Years Ago
If there were only 10 life-hacks you needed to learn, these would be them.
6 Popular Grocery Items You Should Definitely Stop Buying
Many companies have become masters at selling us stuff we don't need. Here are some of the worst offenders.
Why You Should Start Using BAKING SODA in Your Laundry
Here’s why we should all start keeping a jar of baking soda in the laundry room and how to use it to wash clothing and even deep clean the washing machine.
Stay Clear of These 9 RISKY Google Searches
You can search anything on Google, but it’s advisable not to do so for these risky things.
WATCH: Keep These Tips in Mind to Protect Your Art At Home
As everyone does, I'm sure you have pieces of art in your home that are precious to you. Here's how you can protect them for your prolonged enjoyment.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.