Nothing hits the spot quite like a juicy burger after a long day. Burgers are the ultimate meal, whether you’re out with friends or need a quick midday pick-me-up. The US has over 84 thousand burger restaurants, but the quality can vary greatly.

So, what’s the secret behind the perfect burger? It’s not the crispness of the lettuce or the juiciness of the tomatoes. It’s the cuts used when making mince.

We’re here to uncover the best cuts for making the perfect burger. Read on to discover how you can upgrade your homemade burger with different types of meat.

Chuck

Beef chuck is a popular cut used in making mince for burgers. It has a good fat-to-protein ratio and has a nice, balanced flavor. This is a tough part of the cow that turns tender when ground, making it a popular choice for any minced meat dish.

You can find ground chuck from almost every meat store and grocery. However, it’s because of this that this meat cut can feel a bit lacking in character. It’s still a solid choice for making a good burger, but don’t expect it to wow your tastebuds.

Brisket

If you want an upgrade from your typical beef burger, go for brisket. Brisket is a lean cut that comes from the front belly part of the cow, and it’s well-known for its deep beefy flavor.

Grinding brisket tenderizes the meat even further, giving it a richness that indulges the senses. We recommend enjoying a brisket burger with barbecue sauce.

Short Rib

Short rib has a high-fat content, which makes it the perfect mince for grilled burgers. This part of the cow offers that deep umami flavor. The marbling also helps the burger retain some juiciness even if you cook it beyond medium-rare.

The only downside is that the intense flavor can be a bit overwhelming. Pure short rib mince can overpower other flavors in the burger.

Mix It Up!

Beef chuck alone will give you a nice, juicy burger, but why not amp it up with an extra cut? Some of the best burger curators have special recipes when making burger patties. This gives their burgers a wow factor that improves not only the flavor but the texture.

When using different cuts of beef, we recommend using an 80% lean to 20% fat ratio. Start with beef chuck or brisket, then add some short ribs for juiciness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts.

Everyone has preferences when it comes to the perfect burger. The way you cook the burger, whether grilling or pan-frying, can also affect the flavor.

The Best Cuts of Meat for Making the Perfect Burger

Beef chuck and brisket are the best cuts for burgers, but you can spice it up by mixing them with other cuts. Each cut will give you a different flavor and texture.

The perfect burger can look and taste different to everyone, but that’s why we’re here. Burger Republic has been catering to the unique tastes of burger lovers since 2012. We have something special for you too, so check out our menu!