Beef for Beef Burger

Our answer

Nigella's High-Speed Hamburger (from Nigella Express) is made with extra lean ground beef (beef mince) that can be bought in supermarkets. This type of ground beef usually has a fat content of 2-3 %, though this can vary between stores so you should always ask or read the label on the packaging. If you are grinding or mincing your own meat then it can be difficult to be very specific on the fat content but stewing beef is lower in fat content and if you trim off any visible fat and connective tissue then this will help.

For burgers in general some fat is seen as good thing as it prevents the burgers from drying out, particularly if they are cooked on a BBQ or grill. Fat is usually added by using a combination of different cuts of beef, rather thn adding any extra fat. Obviously you don't want to use the very tender, expensive cuts of meat, such as fillet or top loin (UK sirloin) steak but many people favour equal quantities of chuck and sirloin (UK rump) steak.