Craig Claiborne's Preferred Hamburgers

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Divide the meat into four equal portions and shape each portion. Press each portion as gently as possible, just enough so that it holds together.

2. Step 2

   Sprinkle the bottom of a heavy skillet, preferably a black-iron skillet, lightly with salt, if used. Heat the skillet until it is hot and almost smoking. Add the patties and sear well on one side, about two minutes. Using a pancake turner, turn the patties and reduce the heat to moderate. Cook on the second side about two or three minutes or to the desired degree of doneness.

3. Step 3

   If desired, sprinkle each hamburger with salt and pepper and top each with one tablespoon of butter.

4. Step 4

   Meanwhile, toast the cut sides of each bun until they are lightly browned. Arrange the bun halves, cut side up, on four dinner plates. Sprinkle each patty with one-quarter teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon parsley and one-half tablespoon lemon juice. Add one onion slice atop each hamburger. Top each serving with the remaining toasted bun halves, cut side down. Serve with tomato ketchup.