Two hands holding a burger stacked with prune sauce, onions, lettuce and tomatoes

The Secret to Juicy Burgers

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What’s the secret to perfectly juicy grilled burgers? A tablespoon of prune purée!

Why it works

Prune purée helps to add moisture and depth of flavor to your favorite recipes – like these juicy prune burgers. It enhances the flavor of the beef and keeps your burger perfectly juicy. Unless, of course, it’s tragically overcooked. Nothing can salvage a blackened burger.

How long does it take for the burgers to cook

Cooking time depends on personal preference and size of the patty. If you like a little bit of pink in the center, cooking time should be slightly less. As a rule, we grill our burgers for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 F (71 C).

Two hands holding a burger stacked with prune sauce, onions, lettuce and tomatoes

Juicy Burgers

What's the secret to perfectly juicy grilled burgers? A tablespoon of prune purée! 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine Quick & Easy
Servings 4
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 TBSP prune purée
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns split and warmed
  • Lettuce leaves tomato slices and condiments (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine beef and prune puree; mix lightly but thoroughly. (For best flavor and appearance, form and cook patties immediately after mixing meat mixture.) Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick patties.
  • Heat large nonstick skillet for about 2 minutes over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 10 to 12 minutes to medium (160°F or 71C) doneness, until no longer pink in centers and juices show no pink color, turning once.
  • Season with salt and pepper after turning. Serve burgers in buns with lettuce, tomato, and condiments, if desired.
  • Tip: Patties also can be broiled or grilled. To broil, place patties on rack of broiler pan so surface of meat is 3 to 4 inches (7 – 10 cm) from heat. Broil 9 to 12 minutes to medium (160°F or 71 C)) doneness, until no longer pink in centers and juices show no pink color, turning once. To grill, place patties on grid over medium ash-covered coals. Grill 10 to 13 minutes to medium (160°F or 71 C) doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no pink color, turning once.

Notes

Prune purée: In a food processor container, combine 2/3 cup (85 g) pitted prunes and 3 tablespoons water; process on and off until finely chopped.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 29gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 578mgPotassium: 474mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 4mg
Keyword burgers, grilling, hamburger, meatballs
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Round out your meal

a cast iron skillet full of Naturally Sweetened Baked Beans Recipe with California Prune BBQ Sauce

Naturally-Sweetened Baked Beans

This baked beans recipe is nearly as easy as jazzed-up canned baked beans but is refined sugar-free and totally delicious thanks to the addition of California Prune BBQ Sauce.

And for dessert

a knife holding a slice of Old-Fashioned Prune Cake

Old-Fashioned Prune Cake

What’s a prune grower’s favorite way to enjoy prunes? Well, if you ask the Mitchell family, it’s this Old-Fashioned Prune Cake. A soft, prune-studded spice cake is covered in a buttery-sweet glaze that has everyone going back for another slice (or two.)

Did you try this recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite recipe using California Prunes that you’d like to share with us? Snap a pic and share it on social using #caprunes.

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