When cooking a hamburger patty, how many times should you even it out?

The correct answer is that you should even out a hamburger patty once. This single process of evening out ensures even cooking throughout the patty, which is critical for achieving the desired doneness and preventing parts of the burger from being overcooked or undercooked. When you flatten the patty just once, it allows for a uniform thickness that helps in cooking it evenly, preserving the juiciness and flavor.

Evening out the patty more than once can lead to the expulsion of juices, which could result in a dryer final product. Additionally, applying pressure multiple times can cause a loss of texture, making the patty denser rather than allowing it to retain its intended structure and mouthfeel. Thus, doing it once strikes the right balance for preparation and cooking.