I Ate The World's Best Burger

Nick DiGiovanni

11 May 202419:42

Summary

TLDRThe video script details a culinary journey through the world of burgers, starting at Lewis's Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, and exploring various interpretations of the classic dish. From the simplicity of the original burger to the innovative creations like Gordon Ramsay's breakfast burger and the onion burger at Hamburger America, the narrative delves into the artistry and passion behind each burger's preparation. The exploration extends to the famous steakhouse's dry-aged burger, the pretzel bun burger at Emily, the mac and cheeseburger at The Ainsworth, and a futuristic robotic burger at Kernel. The adventure culminates in a visit to Japan for a Wagyu beef burger, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and the cultural significance of the burger worldwide.

Takeaways

🍔 The first-ever hamburger was invented at Lewis's Lunch and served without ketchup or mustard.
🥩 The Wagyu burger from Japan is made from the best beef in the country, with a focus on marbling and quality.
🔥 Gordon Ramsay Burger emphasizes the importance of tempering meat and using grill marks for flavor, not just appearance.
🧀 The onion burger from Hamburger America, invented in El Reno, Oklahoma, features a thin patty and a generous amount of onions.
🍳 A key to a great burger is the interplay of flavors and textures, such as the use of a runny egg and a well-seasoned patty.
🍖 Peter Luger Steak House's dry-aged burger uses trimmings from their steaks, resulting in a rich and flavorful patty.
🥨 The pretzel bun burger from Emily is known for its chewy, slightly sweet bun and the use of Korean gochujang sauce.
🍲 The mac and cheeseburger from The Ainsworth combines two comfort foods into one tall, messy creation.
🤖 Kernel, a robot-run restaurant, demonstrates how technology can be used to quickly and efficiently make vegan burgers.
🍄 Nowon's black truffle burger showcases the use of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients for a gourmet burger experience.
🍣 Chef Danny's sushi burger is a creative take on the traditional burger, using raw fish as the 'patty' and sushi rice as the 'bun'.
🏭 Gotham Burger Social Club was founded as a community space and serves a nostalgic, well-balanced burger with a crispy top bun.

Q & A

Where was the first ever hamburger invented?
-The first ever hamburger was invented at Lewis's Lunch, established in 1895.
What is unique about the way burgers are served at Lewis's Lunch?
-At Lewis's Lunch, burgers are served the same way they always have been, and ketchup and mustard are not allowed.
What is Gordon Ramsay's approach to making a burger?
-Gordon Ramsay's approach involves tempering the meat, using a special SPG seasoning, and achieving consistent sears on the grill. He also emphasizes the importance of grill marks for flavor and the use of a butter baste with hoisin, fermented black bean sauce, and honey for caramelization.
What is special about the onion burger served at Hamburger America?
-The onion burger is known for its super thin sliced onions that cook down to less than half their volume, providing a sweet, caramelized flavor. The patty is smashed thin to cook quickly, and the burger is traditionally steamed rather than toasted.
How does the process of making a burger at Kernel, the robot-run restaurant, work?
-At Kernel, orders are placed through an app, and the robot prepares the food in a cube-like space with precise timing and coordination. The robot can make a burger, including toasting the buns and adding toppings, in about 15 seconds.
What is the concept behind the sushi burger made by Chef Danny?
-The sushi burger is a deconstructed spicy tuna roll, using sushi rice, nori, tuna, and other traditional sushi ingredients, but assembled in a burger format with two buns and a 'patty' of raw fish.
What is the significance of the Kobe beef stamp in the context of the Wagyu burger?
-The Kobe beef stamp certifies that the cow was raised and met the standards to be classified as Kobe beef. It also includes a ten-digit number that allows consumers to trace the origin of the beef.
How does the process of making a Wagyu burger differ from a traditional beef burger?
-Wagyu burgers are made with a high-marbled beef that has a low melting point, requiring special handling such as using textile and latex gloves to form the patties. The patties are also cooked to create a nice salt crust and served with Wagyu mayo and other premium ingredients like Grana Padano cheese.
What is the key to achieving a good sear on a burger patty?
-Achieving a good sear requires a hot grill or broiler, quickly seasoning the patty, and allowing it to cook undisturbed so the surface can develop a crust before flipping.
Why is the process of cooking an onion burger different from a regular smash burger?
-An onion burger takes longer to cook, approximately eight minutes, to allow the onions to become lightly caramelized. The onions are cooked on the bottom, and the rendered beef fat from the patty drips down into the onions, helping to slow cook and caramelize them.
What is the significance of using a paint scraper in the context of making a burger?
-A paint scraper is used to steam and warm the bun, ensuring it is soft and ready for the burger. It symbolizes the artistry and care that goes into crafting each burger, much like creating a piece of art.

Outlines

00:00

🍔 The Evolution of the Burger - From Lewis's Lunch to Futuristic Creations

The video begins with a journey to the birthplace of the hamburger at Lewis's Lunch, established in 1895, where the original burger was invented. The narrator describes the simplicity of the first burger, made from ground steak trimmings served between two slices of toast, with a story about its creation in 1900. The video then transitions to modern burger creations, including a comparison between a traditional Wagyu beef burger and a futuristic robot-made burger. The narrative also includes a detailed look at the preparation of a Gordon Ramsay breakfast burger, emphasizing the importance of tempering meat, using specific seasonings, and achieving a perfect sear on the grill. The process of making the burger is described in detail, from the initial cooking to adding the egg, seasoning, and finishing touches like the Salamandra for crisp bacon and melted cheese. The video also explores the philosophy behind the perfect burger, which is presented as a simple, high-quality beef patty with minimal additions.

05:00

🏆 America's Best Burgers - From New York's Steakhouses to Oklahoma's洋葱Burger

The video moves on to explore various acclaimed burgers across the United States. It features a visit to a famous New York steakhouse known for its dry-aged burger made from steak trimmings. The process of aging the meat and preparing the burger is detailed, highlighting the old-school methods and the importance of juiciness and meatiness in the final product. Next, the video introduces a unique pretzel bun burger from Emily, emphasizing the chewy texture and sweeter taste of the bun, caramelized onions, and Korean gochujang sauce. The Ainsworth's mac and cheeseburger is another highlight, with a focus on the tall, messy creation that combines macaroni and cheese with a traditional beef patty. The making of this burger is shown step by step, from the patties to the cheese sauce and assembly. The narrator also discusses the appeal of burgers in different forms and the importance of trying various types to find the perfect fit for one's taste.

10:01

🤖 Robot-Made Veggie Burgers and Gourmet Truffle Delights

The video then shifts to a futuristic approach to burger making with Kernel, a robot-run restaurant founded by Steve Ells of Chipotle. The process of ordering and the robot's preparation of a veggie burger are showcased, emphasizing speed, consistency, and the lack of human error. The narrator praises the quality of the robot-made burger. Subsequently, the video moves on to a gourmet truffle burger from Nowon, which is made with a custom blend of beef and topped with black truffle pate and smoked mozzarella. The meticulous preparation, including the use of a special umami seasoning blend and homemade kimchi, is described. The final product is presented as a decadent and flavorful burger with a beautiful contrast of colors and textures. The video also touches on the concept of a sushi burger by Chef Danny, who deconstructs a spicy tuna roll into a burger format, using sushi rice, nori, and a variety of toppings to create a unique culinary experience.

15:03

🇯🇵 International Burger Quest - From Gotham's Nostalgia to Tokyo's Wagyu Perfection

The final part of the video takes the viewer on an international burger quest. Mike Puma, founder of Gotham Burger Social Club, shares his philosophy of burgers being tied to nostalgia and memories. He describes the process of making a classic, nostalgic burger with a focus on the quality of ingredients and the balance of flavors. The video concludes with a visit to Tokyo, Japan, to try a Wagyu beef burger at Gui's Burger. The meticulous preparation of the Wagyu patty is detailed, from the selection of the beef to the cooking process, which includes using special gloves to handle the meat and creating a salt crust for the patties. The final burger is presented with a focus on the star ingredient, Wagyu beef, and the additional toppings that complement its flavor. The narrator reflects on the journey and the unique experience of trying a high-quality Wagyu burger, which was worth the trip to Japan.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Burger

A burger is a popular type of sandwich consisting of one or more cooked patties of ground meat, usually beef, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun. In the video, burgers are the central theme, with various types and styles of burgers being explored, from the classic hamburger to more innovative versions like the mac and cheeseburger and a vegan burger made by a robot.

💡Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef is a type of beef from Japanese Wagyu cattle, known for its high quality, intense marbling, and rich flavor. It is considered a delicacy and is often more expensive than other types of beef. In the video, Wagyu beef is featured as the main ingredient in a high-end burger prepared in Japan, highlighting its role in creating an exquisite culinary experience.

💡Gordon Ramsay Burger

Gordon Ramsay Burger refers to a burger prepared in the style of or as served at a restaurant by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The video describes a breakfast burger prepared with meticulous attention to detail, using high-quality ingredients and cooking techniques, which reflects the chef's reputation for excellence in the culinary world.

💡Onion Burger

An onion burger is a type of burger that features onions as a prominent ingredient, often served on top of the patty or mixed into the meat. The video mentions the onion burger from Hamburger America, which is known for its traditional preparation method and the use of thinly sliced onions that cook down to a sweet, caramelized state.

💡Dry-Aged Burger

A dry-aged burger is made using beef that has been aged without packaging, allowing the meat to develop a deeper, more complex flavor through the process of dry-aging. The video describes a dry-aged burger from a famous New York steakhouse, where the beef is aged in a 'vault' before being ground into patties for the burger.

💡Pretzel Bun Burger

A pretzel bun burger is a burger that uses a pretzel bun instead of the traditional bread bun. The pretzel bun is characterized by its chewy texture and slightly sweet, salty flavor. In the video, the pretzel bun burger is prepared with caramelized onions and a Korean gochujang sauce, adding unique flavors to the traditional burger concept.

💡Mac and Cheeseburger

A mac and cheeseburger is a creative twist on the classic burger, incorporating elements of macaroni and cheese into the burger itself. The video showcases a mac and cheeseburger made with a patty of macaroni and cheese, topped with a traditional beef patty, multiple cheeses, and a special sauce, resulting in a tall, messy, and indulgent burger experience.

💡Robot-Made Burger

A robot-made burger refers to a burger that is prepared by a robotic system, which can automate the cooking process to ensure consistency and efficiency. The video describes a futuristic dining experience at Kernel, a robot-run restaurant, where the burgers are made quickly and efficiently by a robot, demonstrating the potential of technology in the food industry.

💡Truffle Burger

A truffle burger is a gourmet burger that incorporates truffle or truffle-infused ingredients, adding an luxurious and rich flavor to the dish. The video features a black truffle burger from Nowon, which includes a custom blend of beef, black truffle pate, smoked mozzarella, and a special sauce, making it a decadent and flavorful burger option.

💡Sushi Burger

A sushi burger is a deconstructed sushi roll that resembles a burger in its presentation, with 'buns' and a 'patty' made from sushi ingredients. The video presents a sushi burger made by Chef Danny, which includes sushi rice, spicy tuna, and various toppings such as watermelon radish, cucumber, pickled ginger, and avocado, showcasing a fusion of traditional sushi and burger concepts.

💡Nostalgia in Burgers

Nostalgia in burgers refers to the emotional connection and memories that certain types of burgers can evoke, often related to one's childhood or cultural experiences. The video discusses the concept of a nostalgic burger at Gotham Burger Social Club, where the focus is on creating a burger that reminds customers of fond memories, using traditional toppings and a classic preparation style.

Highlights

The world's first burger restaurant, Lewis's Lunch, established in 1895, serves burgers without ketchup or mustard.

The original hamburger was created in 1900 by a chef who quickly made ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast.

Gordon Ramsay Burger's breakfast burger is seasoned with SPG (salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic) and cooked for a consistent sear.

Gordon Ramsay's burger is basted with a butter, hoisin, fermented black bean sauce, and honey mixture for a unique flavor.

Hamburger America's onion burger, invented in El Reno, Oklahoma in 1922, features a thin patty and a generous amount of onions.

The Oklahoma onion fried burger is cooked for about eight minutes to allow onions to caramelize, resulting in a sweet onion candy texture.

Peter Luger's steakhouse uses dry-aged trimmings to create their flavorful dry-aged burger patties.

Emily's pretzel bun burger is topped with Korean gochujang sauce and features a chewy, slightly sweet pretzel bun.

The Ainsworth's mac and cheeseburger combines a beef patty with macaroni and cheese, creating a tall and messy burger experience.

Kernel, a robot-run restaurant, uses a sophisticated system to prepare consistent and fast veggie burgers.

Nowon's black truffle burger uses a custom blend of chuck, ribeye, and sirloin, seasoned with a special umami blend and topped with black truffle pate.

Sushi Chef Danny creates a sushi burger, a deconstructed spicy tuna roll with sushi rice, spicy mayo, and a variety of toppings.

Gotham Burger Social Club's burger is a nostalgic take on the classic cheeseburger, with a focus on the quality of ingredients and a secret mop sauce.

Gui's Burger in Tokyo uses a blend of Wagyu beef with a high fat content, cooked to create a patty that highlights the beef's natural marbling.

Wagyu beef has a low melting point, requiring special gloves and techniques to handle and form patties without losing the meat's integrity.

The Wagyu burger is finished with a Wagyu mayo sauce, dragon egg, and Grana Padano cheese, emphasizing the star ingredient while complementing it with other flavors.

The journey to try a Wagyu burger in Japan was justified by the unique experience and the exceptional quality of the beef.