This method of steam-cooking a hamburger smothered with cheese is unique to the southern part of Connecticut. Steamed hamburgers date to the 1920s or 30s and may have first been prepared at Jack’s Lunch restaurant in Middletown. Steamed hamburgers are available today at Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, as well as at restaurants in nearby towns. Since 2011, Ted’s has operated a food truck called the Steam Machine, selling steamed hamburgers at Hartford sports venues. In restaurants, steamed hamburgers are prepared in special stainless-steel cabinet-style steamers, with each inserted on a tray. For home preparation, create a steamer with a wire rack placed inside a covered pan or Dutch oven like in this recipe.
Recipe Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 2 slices (2 oz each) cheddar cheese
- 2 hamburger buns
- 2 slices of onion
- Toppings, as desired
Directions
- Divide the ground beef equally and form it into two patties. Season them with seasoning salt and pepper.
- Place a metal rack in the bottom of a lidded frying pan or Dutch oven. Add water to a level reaching just below the rack and set the pan over high heat until the water is steaming.
- Reduce the heat to medium, place the patties on the rack and cover them with a lid. Steam the burgers for about 10 minutes.
- Top the burgers with cheese, re-cover, and steam for 1 minute, until the cheese is melted.
- Transfer the burgers to the bottom halves of the buns and top each with sliced onions and other toppings, as desired.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the toppings to make two hamburgers. Serve hot.
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