I failed to mention that the flour added is "heaping tablespoons"and self rising. You may want to add another tablespoon of flour(making it 4)after experminting with what you like the first time. As for the water(what I use) you don't want the meat so soupy that it doesn't absorb the water,if this happens add more flour. Hope this helps. I have been making these 25 years and my family doesn't want or will eat regular hamburgers. Remember you'll just have to practice making these to get the flavor you want.
Cooking in cast Iron skillet or electric skillet makes them crusty on the outside. When you first make these and start patting them out you will think to yourself that the meat is gummy and sticky,and it will be but don't worry the meat will fry up fine.