Burgers 101: How to Grill Burgers?
Diving into the heart of summer, the backyard transforms into a stage for barbecues that promise mouthwatering, flame-kissed burgers nestled between a toasted bun with all the desired fixings.
This is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about elevating the grilling game with tips and tricks to ensure every burger is as juicy and delicious as it can be.
Whether it’s a casual cookout or an elaborate gathering, mastering how to cook and grill burgers is essential.
Beyond burgers, expanding the menu to include blackened salmon, tacos, and various sides like corn and salad, topped off with a sweet dessert of peaches and ice cream, can transform any grilling event into a feast to remember.
However, the focus remains on perfecting that burger, turning every grilling opportunity into an adventure that lasts the months of summer.
How to make burgers?
To craft the best and juiciest burgers, it’s recommended to use hand-formed patties rather than preformed or frozen pre-made ones from the store. Starting with fresh, ground beef allows you to shape each burger by hand, ensuring quality and flavor.
Choose the right meat
When it comes to choosing the right meat, the key is finding the perfect balance between lean for flavor and enough fat to stay juicy. Many prefer lean ground beef for their recipes, with a preference for a fat-to-meat ratio of 80/20 or 85/15.
This ensures a juicy burger without being overly greasy. For the connoisseur looking to elevate their burger game, opting for freshly ground meat from the butcher—or even grinding it at home with a meat grinder—opens up possibilities for custom blends, such as sirloin, chuck, or brisket.
Gently press the burgers into patties
To form your burgers into patties, start by dividing the ground beef into portions that match the number and size you prefer, commonly around a ⅓-pound for each burger.
Using your hands, gently press the meat into a flat, even thickness that’s slightly larger than the buns you plan to use. It’s crucial not to overwork the meat or squeeze it too tightly, as this can make the edges crumble when transferring them to the grill.
Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps the burgers cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
Season the burgers well
Season your burgers generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. The larger crystals of kosher salt are key in drawing out moisture, leading to a juicier burger than when using regular table salt.
For an added twist, incorporate your favorite rubs like Cajun, BBQ, or Montreal steak blends for an excellent spice kick.
Be sure to adjust the seasoning based on the blend used, possibly using a bit less if the blend is potent. When seasoning, sprinkle from a few inches above the burger patties to ensure even coverage.
Grill temp for burgers
For grilling burgers, aim for a grill temperature of medium-high to high heat, typically around degrees F. While many gas grills come with built-in thermometers, they may not always be reliable.
Investing in an inexpensive, grilling thermometer can help you dial in the perfect temperature, making it easier to achieve consistent results.
How long to cook burgers on the grill?
To cook burgers on the grill, ensure it’s properly heated and plan for about 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping once. This timing should allow the burgers to char nicely while cooking through, yet retain a little bit of pink in the middle if you prefer them medium.
For those who enjoy their burgers medium-well or well-done, leave them on for a couple of minutes longer. It’s a general guide to cook the burgers until they reach your desired level of doneness.
keeping in mind that the USDA guidelines for ground beef call for cooking to an internal temperature of degrees F. Remember, burgers will continue to rise in temperature after removing from the grill due to carryover cooking from residual heat, so it might be beneficial to pull them off sooner and let them rest the way through.
Do you need a binder?
For a binder like egg and breadcrumbs in ground beef to help it stick together on the grill, it’s generally unnecessary. The fat content in the beef should allow the patty to hold together fine on its own, providing a juicier and best burger experience when hand-shaped and seasoned.
Can you make burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare burgers ahead of time. Shape and season your patties up to 6 hours in advance and keep them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to grill. It’s recommended to let them sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before placing them on a hot grill for even cooking.
My tips & tricks for the best burgers
Meat Selection and Fat Content
For the best burgers, lean meat with a bit of extra fat is your friend for an excellent, flavorful outcome. Aim to use meat with 15-20% fat content. This fat is crucial for adding flavor and juiciness to your burgers.
Seasoning and Shaping
Season your patties well with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. When shaping and mixing, be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid tough burgers, and don’t underseason, or you might end up with bland results.
Sprinkle the seasonings from high above the patty, at least 10 inches, for even coverage. Aim for perfection with even thickness, pressing them flat to about ¾- to 1-inch thickness using your hands, a flat-bottomed plate, or a burger press.
Ensure they are all the same size; a kitchen scale can help weigh and shape the patties.
Make your patties about ½-inch wider than your buns since they will shrink as they cook. When shaping, make an indent in the center with your fingers to prevent the burgers from balling up on the grill.
Grill Preparation
Start with clean, well-oiled grates before you begin cooking. Preheat your grill and use a grill brush to make sure it’s clean. Rub the grates with oil using soaking paper towels and tongs to prevent sticking. Taking care of your grill extends the life of your expensive investment and ensures the tastiest results.
Cooking Technique
NEVER press the burgers on the grill. It might be tempting to use a spatula to flatten them and hear that sizzle as the fat hits the flame or coals below, but that sound means flavorful juices are being lost.
Resist the urge to flip them frequently; flipping only once will allow them to cook evenly, leading to juicier results. Burgers should be seared on one side for 3-5 minutes before being flipped to finish cooking on the other side.
Avoid flipping them multiple times to prevent them from becoming dry. Starting with a clean, preheated grill ensures that the patties will release easily after being properly seared.
Do You Grill Burgers with the Lid Open or Closed?
When you grill burgers, whether you keep the lid open or closed can make a difference in the cooking process. Grilling over high heat with the lid closed helps cook the burgers more evenly.
Especially helpful for getting the cheese to completely melt. In windy conditions, closing the lid can also maintain a consistent temperature, which can be crucial depending on where you live.
What to Do if the Weather Really Won’t Cooperate
If the weather doesn’t cooperate and you prefer your burgers grilled outside but it’s not possible, consider making air fryer hamburgers, which can be almost just as good when cooked indoors.
Alternatively, using a cast iron skillet on the stovetop can yield delicious results. Drizzle some olive oil in a heavy-duty pan over high heat and sear the burgers, leaving them alone just like you would treat a good steak.
Avoid the temptation to move them around; let them cook undisturbed for at least 3-5 minutes to develop a nice crust on one side before flipping and cooking on the other side, mimicking the grill experience.
Final Verdict:
To grill burgers on a gas grill, preheat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes, then clean the grates. Form patties and season them as desired. Reduce the heat to medium-high and place the burgers on the grill.
Cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, flipping only once. Avoid pressing down on the patties to retain their juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
After grilling, let the burgers rest briefly before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring flavorful and juicy results.
People also ask
How long to grill burgers at 400?
To grill burgers at 400°F, especially if they are 1/2 inch thick, you should aim for about minutes per side on a hot grill set between 400-450°F to achieve a medium-rare doneness. For a medium burger, extend the time to minutes per side.
How long to grill burgers on charcoal?
When using a charcoal grill to grill burgers, place ½-inch patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals.
They should cook for minutes or until they are done, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F, and remember to turn them once. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill and then reduce the heat to medium for similar results.
How long do you grill burgers on each side?
When grilling burgers on a hot grill, place the burgers and cook for minutes to sear the bottom. Then, flip and cook for another minute on the other side to achieve your desired degree of doneness. For a rare burger, plan on a total of minutes, minutes total for medium-rare, minutes total for medium, and minutes for well-done.
How long to grill burgers at 350?
To grill burgers at 350°F, set your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F). Place the burger patties on the hot grill and close the lid. Sear for minutes to get browning and grill marks, then gently flip the burgers and grill for additional minutes for a rare burger, minutes for medium-rare, and minutes for a medium-well burger.
How long do you cook burgers on a gas grill?
To cook burgers on a gas grill for Medium-Rare, grill the burgers for minutes on each side, aiming for an internal temperature of degrees F, as confirmed by a thermometer reading. For Medium, grill for minutes per side, until the temperature reaches degrees F. For Medium Well to Well Done, extend the grilling time to minutes per side, until reaching degrees F.
How do you grill burgers on a gas grill without burning them?
To grill burgers on a gas grill without burning them, start with the Use of cold, ground beef. Mix in some butter with your seasonings but be careful not to overwork the meat.
Season your burgers liberally before placing them on the grill. Ensure you’re using a clean grill and Heat your grill with zones to manage the cooking process efficiently.
When it comes to flipping, Wait until the right moment and do it just once to avoid losing juices. To Avoid flare-ups, keep a close eye on the grill and move the burgers if necessary.
Should You Grill Burgers with the Lid Open or Closed?
When grilling burgers, deciding whether to keep the lid open or closed depends on the thickness of your patties. Thin items like pork chops, shrimp, and thin burgers tend to cook quickly and can benefit from an open lid to slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat.
For thicker cuts, it’s advisable to close the lid to maintain a high, even temperature that ensures thorough cooking.
What Is the Best Temperature to Grill Burgers?
The best temperature to grill burgers is between 375°F and 400°F. This range is the sweet spot for avoiding dry, burnt burgers that come from too high heat, or placid, rubbery textures that result from too low of a temperature.
For most gas grills, this equates to a medium-high heat setting, providing the perfect environment for grilling burgers to perfection.
