At a glance

Read through the method once, then prep the ingredients in the order listed.

• Yield: 8 burgers
• Prep time: 45 minutes, plus about 2 hours rising
• Cook time: 30 minutes

For the most consistent result, use the listed weights when available; household measures are rounded.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Serving basis: One serving from the final reviewed yield of 8 burgers.

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 31 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Sodium: 1012 mg

Estimated from the listed ingredients and serving yield using USDA FoodData Central. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, cooking losses, oil absorption, and portion size.

Soft Sesame Buns

Have these measured and ready before you begin.

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk, 100–110°F (38–43°C)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water, 100–110°F (38–43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant or active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) bread flour, plus up to 1/4 cup only if needed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt

Egg Wash and Topping

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Burger Patties

• 2 pounds (900 g) 80% lean ground beef, kept cold
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Directions

1. Combine the warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast in a mixer bowl and stand for 5 minutes. Mix in the egg, softened butter, flour, and salt until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Knead with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour only a tablespoon at a time if the dough remains unmanageably wet.

3. Cover and rise until doubled, 60–75 minutes. Divide into 8 equal pieces, shape into tight rounds, flatten to about 3 1/2 inches wide, and arrange on parchment-lined pans.

4. Cover and proof for 35–50 minutes, until puffy. Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Whisk the egg and milk, brush the buns, and sprinkle with sesame.

5. Bake for 16–20 minutes, rotating once, until deep golden and about 190°F (88°C) inside. Cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

6. Gently combine the cold beef, salt, pepper, and mustard. Shape 8 patties about 4 inches wide with a shallow indentation in each center; refrigerate for 20 minutes.

7. Cook on a hot lightly oiled grill or skillet for about 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and 160°F (71°C). Rest 3 minutes, then assemble on the buns with the toppings of your choice.

Sources

1. USDA FoodData Central — April 2026 data release