Abstract: A hand-operated device for separating moist, fatty ground meat while said meat is being cooked on a heated cooking surface. Said device includes an elongated handle having a distal blade attachment end and a proximal free end. Four non-metallic separating blades are provided with each having substantially parallel front and rear surfaces bounded by an inner side edge, an outer side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge. Said bottom edge is in said form of an angled surface. Said four blades are integrated at their inner side edges oriented at about right angles to each other to form an X or cross pattern. Each blade has a critical minimum thickness of at least 5/16 inch thick between said blade front and rear surfaces to ensure separation of said moist, fatty ground meat as said blade passes entirely through said meat, and to prevent reagglomeration of said separated moist, fatty ground meat as said blade is removed therefrom.