Burger Cookoff! Chipotle Smokehouse Burgers

Adapted slightly from Cooks Illustrated

Notes: This recipe will make 4 fairly large burgers. Be sure to press down the center of the burger as this really will make them cook up flat and not bulging in the middle.

3 medium cloves garlic , unpeeled
1 tablespoon minced chipotle chile in adobo
2 tablespoons minced scallions
1 1/2 pounds 80 percent lean ground chuck
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
dash liquid smoke (hickory)

vegetable oil for oiling grill rack
smoked cheddar
4 buns and desired toppings

Instructions

1. Toast unpeeled garlic cloves in small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color deepens slightly, about 8 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel and mince cloves or press through a garlic press.

2. Ignite about 6 quarts (1 large chimney or about 6 pounds) charcoal and burn until coals are completely covered with thin coating of light gray ash, 20 to 30 minutes. Spread coals evenly over grill bottom, position grill rack above the coals, and heat until medium-hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill surface for no longer than 3 or 4 seconds).

3. Meanwhile, break up ground chuck with your hands in medium bowl. Sprinkle garlic, chipotle chile en adobo, scallions, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper over meat; toss lightly with hands to distribute seasonings. Divide meat into four 6-ounce portions. Gently toss one portion of meat back and forth between hands to form loose ball. Lightly flatten into patty 3/4-inch thick and about 4 1/2-inches in diameter. Gently press center of patty down until about 1/2-inch thick, creating a slight depression in each patty; repeat with remaining portions of meat.

4. Scrape hot grill rack clean with wire brush. Lightly dip wadded paper towels in vegetable oil; holding wad with tongs, wipe grill rack. Grill patties, uncovered, without pressing down on them, until well seared on first side, about 2 1/2 minutes. Flip burgers with metal barbecue spatula; continue grilling about 2 minutes for rare, 2 1/2 minutes for medium-rare, or 3 minutes for medium. Top with smoked cheddar and serve immediately.

5. For Gas Grill: In Step 2, turn all burners on gas grill to high, close lid, and heat until very hot, 10 to 15 minutes. Follow Step 3 as written. Follow Step 4 as written, except grill patties 3 minutes per side for rare, 3 minutes on the first side and 3 1/2 minutes on the second side for medium-rare, or 3 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on second side for medium.