Pressing an ice cube into a beef patty while cooking can be a useful technique, depending on what you're trying to achieve. It's not silly nonsense, but rather a cooking hack that some people use to enhance the juiciness of the burger. Here's how it works:
When you press an ice cube into the center of a beef patty before cooking it, the ice cube starts to melt as the patty cooks. The melting ice releases moisture, which gets absorbed by the surrounding meat. This extra moisture helps keep the patty juicy during the cooking process, and it can be especially helpful when cooking leaner cuts of meat that tend to dry out more easily.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Quality of the Meat: If you're using high-quality, well-marbled beef, you may not need to use this technique, as the fat content in the meat will already contribute to juiciness.
Proper Cooking Technique: While using an ice cube can help retain some moisture, it won't make up for overcooking the patty. Cooking the burger to the desired level of doneness is crucial for a juicy result.
Food Safety: Make sure to use clean, food-grade ice cubes to avoid any potential contamination.
Patty Thickness: This technique may work better with thicker patties where the melting ice has enough time to distribute moisture within the meat. For thinner patties, the ice may not have the same impact.
Ultimately, whether or not you find this technique useful may depend on personal preference and the type of beef you are using. If you enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and find that it improves the juiciness of your burgers to your liking, then it can be a useful trick. However, many people achieve great results with proper seasoning, cooking technique, and using high-quality meat without the need for adding an ice cube.