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–+ servings

Juicy Pub-Style Burgers for Two

This flavorful recipe delivers classic pub-style burgers with perfectly seared exteriors and juicy, tender centers—ideal for a satisfying meal for two. With a few smart techniques and pantry staples, this recipe ensures maximum flavor and texture in every bite, making it a standout among recipes for two.
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Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • 10-inch skillet
  • Oven
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound sirloin steak tips trimmed and cut into ½-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • ½ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 2 large hamburger buns toasted if desired

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Beef: Spread the steak chunks on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer until they are firm but still slightly flexible—about 25 minutes.
  • Grind and Inspect: Process half the beef at a time in a food processor until finely chopped into small pieces, around 35 quick pulses. Repeat with the remaining meat. Examine the ground meat and discard any large sinew or hard fat chunks.
  • Mix and Form Patties: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 300°F. Combine the ground beef with melted butter and ½ teaspoon of black pepper using a fork—avoid overmixing. Divide into two portions and gently shape into ¾-inch-thick patties.
  • Sear on the Stovetop: Season patties with salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke. Cook burgers without moving them for 2 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
  • Oven Finish: Transfer the burgers back to the baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 3 to 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 120–125°F for medium-rare. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Make the Sauce & Serve: Stir together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, chives, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Serve burgers on toasted buns with this sauce and your favorite toppings.

Variations

    Juicy Pub-Style Burgers with Peppered Bacon and Aged Cheddar:

    • Sprinkle ½ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper over 3 slices of bacon. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 10 minutes). Reserve 1 teaspoon of the bacon fat and use in place of vegetable oil. Cut bacon in half crosswise. Top each burger with ¼ cup shredded aged cheddar before oven finish. Add sauce and bacon after cooking.

    Juicy Pub-Style Burgers with Crispy Shallots and Blue Cheese:

    • Cook 2 thinly sliced shallots in ⅓ cup vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crispy (6–8 minutes). Drain on a paper towel and season lightly. Top each burger with ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese before baking, then add shallots just before serving.

    Notes

    • Avoid overworking the meat during mixing to maintain a tender texture.
    • Steak tips are ideal due to their flavorful, well-marbled composition.
    • Medium-rare is preferred for juiciness, but the method can be adjusted based on doneness preferences.
    Keyword burger recipe for two, easy pub-style burgers, easy skillet burgers, homemade beef patties, homemade gourmet burger ideas, juicy burger for date night, recipes for two, sirloin steak burgers
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!