Hamburger Patties

These hamburger patties cook entirely in the microwave, which sounds wrong until you taste them. Ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish are mixed directly into the ground beef along with cubed bread and chopped onion. Every bite is seasoned all the way through, not just on the surface.

The cubed bread acts as a binder and moisture holder, keeping the patties tender even without the browning you get from a grill or skillet. Covering loosely while microwaving traps steam and cooks the meat evenly.

Brush extra ketchup on top before cooking for a glazed finish. Seven to eight minutes total and dinner is on the table.

Kitchen Tips

• Turn the dish a quarter turn halfway through cooking. Microwaves heat unevenly and the rotation ensures all four patties cook at the same rate.
• Cover loosely, not tight. A tight seal traps too much steam and can make the patties rubbery.
• Let the patties rest for a minute after microwaving. They finish cooking with carryover heat.
• The horseradish gives a subtle bite that you can’t quite identify but would miss if it weren’t there. Don’t skip it.

Variations

• Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a full burger experience.
• Add a slice of cheese on top during the last 30 seconds of cooking for a microwave cheeseburger.
• Mix in a tablespoon of barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smokier flavor profile.