Greek Beef Bifteki

Step 1

Place the ground beef into a medium bowl, breaking it apart with your fingers until it looks crumbly and loose, about 30 seconds.

Step 2

Mince the garlic cloves until the pieces are smaller than a grain of rice—about the size of pencil-tip dots—and add to the bowl.

Step 3

Add the dried oregano, fresh mint, salt, and pepper to the bowl.

Step 4

Using your hands, mix all ingredients together by gently squeezing and folding until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat, about 1 minute; do not overmix.

Step 5

Divide the meat mixture in half and shape each portion into a flat, round patty about 3 inches across and 0.5 inches thick using your palms.

Step 6

Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and wait 1 minute until the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and immediately evaporates.

Step 7

Lightly rub both sides of each patty with olive oil, then carefully lay them into the hot skillet.

Step 8

Let the patties cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and a thin crust forms.

Step 9

Flip each patty carefully using a thin spatula, then cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes until it is also golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F if checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the patties to a clean plate, letting them rest for 2 minutes before serving.