The purpose of evening out the patties is to _______ so the patties can cook evenly.

Evening out the patties is essential for ensuring that they cook evenly. This process involves shaping the patties to be uniform in thickness, which plays a critical role in how heat is distributed throughout the meat as it cooks.

When patties are of varying thickness, the thicker parts take longer to cook, while the thinner parts may overcook, leading to an inconsistent texture and potentially affecting the overall flavor experience. By breaking the seal on the surface of the patties, it allows heat to penetrate more effectively, which contributes to a more uniform cooking process. This technique not only promotes even cooking but also helps in achieving a desirable sear on the outside, enhancing the flavor overall.

While factors like flavor enhancement, moisture retention, and cooking time are relevant, they do not directly address the primary purpose of evening out the patties in relation to cooking efficiency. The focus remains on achieving consistent thickness so proper cooking can occur across the entire surface of the patties.