Shape 6 ounces of 80 percent lean ground beef chuck into a uniform patty, no more than 3/4 inch thick (don't overwork the meat). Make a depression in the center with your thumb so the burger won't bulge; the indent will rise as the patty cooks. Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan to high. Brush the burger with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred, turning once (7 minutes for medium-rare). Avoid pressing with a spatula! Add cheese for the last minute of cooking.
Cheese
Your pick: Monterey Jack is a California favorite, but Bobby loves this burger with cheddar, too.
Avocado Relish
Avocado is one of Bobby's favorite ingredients. He mixes 2 chopped Hass avocados with 1/2 diced small onion, 1 minced jalapeno, the juice of 1 lime, 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and salt and pepper.
Watercress
L.A. doesn't do iceberg lettuce, so Bobby tops off the burger with this peppery green instead.
Tomato
One thick, juicy slice takes the place of ketchup.
Tools You May Need
Photograph by Steve Giralt
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay for Food Network Magazine
Tools You May Need
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