Overcooking using what method?
I've been overcooking lately on both methods (grill and skillet)
For cast iron, do you use high or medium flame? I've been using high, but I seem to wait too long for that perfect crust and wind up overdoing it - closer to well done than medium which is what I'm targeting.
For grilling, I've been trying to hit it with a high flame for ~1 min to get a nice char and then move to the low flame side to finish cooking, but again I seem to wait too long.
This thread has prompted me to make burgers tomorrow night - I might make one using each method.
I like my burgers to have a little bit of 'overhang' on the bun so I usually go with a thinner 1/2 #/250g burger.
Here's what I do on cast iron: first, get 2 really strong metal spatulas and a new (clean!) paint scraper with a metal blade.
.
IMO the trick to cooking on cast iron is to get it as hot as possible. If you use gas burners for your boil kettle, put the cast iron on that and crank it up to crazy heat time. Thing is, if you want a great crust on cast iron, you gotta use the smash and scrape method. Form your burgers in whatever weight you want, and then (gently) roll each one into an elongated cylinder. They shouldn't have much diameter but should still be able to hold their shape standing up.
Once the iron is hot (no oil needed) sprinkle salt and pepper on a burger and put one on the iron, circle side down. Immediately take your two spatulas, one in each hand, and smash the burger down onto the pan. Knowing how much pressure takes a bit of experimentation. Now, don't touch it! Let it sit there. Then depending on the size of your burger and how well you want it cooked, use the paint scraper and scrape the whole thing off. Again this takes experimentation to get right, you don't want much left in the pan when you scrape it off. Flip, smash again (although a bit less pressure), put on yer cheese or whatnot, wait a couple minutes, put on a bun. You'll get the crust for sure.
Sorry for the super long posts, I love talking about this stuff. FIRE! MEAT! BEER!