One may find it peculiar that the steamed cheeseburger, a scrumptious twist on an American classic, remains a well-kept culinary secret nestled in the heart of Central Connecticut. An exploration into its steamy origins unravels a tale of ingenuity and tradition that has withstood the test of time and taste buds.
The steamed cheeseburger, referred to locally as a “steamer” or “cheeseburg,” defies conventional burger-making methods. Eschewing the sizzle of a grill or the heat of a frying pan, this burger is artfully cooked in a stainless-steel cabinet fitted with trays that house the raw hamburger patties and chunks of cheese. Steam, rather than direct heat, cooks the ingredients, allowing the fats within the meat to melt away, which are then discarded, leaving behind a moist and juicy patty that’s draped with a velvety blanket of melted cheese upon service.
The invention of the steamed cheeseburger is attributed to Jack’s Lunch, a restaurant situated in Middletown, Connecticut, during the 1920s or 1930s. Jack’s Lunch, owned by Jack Fitzgerald, operated at 434 Main Street for a span of 44 years. At this establishment, the steamed cheeseburgers were prepared by cooking square ground-beef patties in a tall copper box filled with simmering water on 18 tin trays. Customers had the option to add cheddar cheese for an extra 5 cents.
One theory suggests that the inspiration for the steamed cheeseburger arose from the growing popularity of steaming as a healthier cooking method in the 1920s, as it was believed that steamed food was easier to digest compared to fried food.
Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden is renowned for serving steamed cheeseburgers, but this unique dish can also be found in neighboring towns such as Wallingford, Middletown, Portland, and Cromwell. Additionally, steamed cheeseburgers are available in East Hampton to the east and North Haven to the south.
Ted’s commitment to tradition extends beyond its doors, as evident in their food truck, the Steam Machine, and their concession stand at the XL Center arena in Hartford, ensuring the steamed cheeseburger’s presence at various events across the region. It even made its way into baseball, with the Hartford Yard Goats donning “Hartford Steamed Cheeseburgers” uniforms for a game in 2018.
The process of creating a steamed cheeseburger is akin to a steamy dance. The meat, seasoned and tucked into tins, enters the “large, stainless steel sauna,” cooking to perfection in about 10 minutes. The finale is a pour of luscious, steamed cheddar over the meat, resulting in a burger that’s not only devoid of char but, as some would argue, offers a healthier alternative to its grilled counterpart.
The steamed cheeseburger remains a testament to Connecticut’s culinary identity—a delectable defiance of the norm, standing apart from its New York and New England neighbors. It encapsulates the spirit of an area that may straddle cultural divides, but indisputably knows its way around a burger. In a nation celebrated for its diverse palate, Central Connecticut’s steamed cheeseburger is a flavorful nod to America’s melting pot of tastes, a burger tradition steamed to perfection.
Relevant articles:
– TIL steamed hamburgers are an actual regional delicacy (though in Central Connecticut).
, Mar 17, 2023