Introduction
Burgers are one of the most popular foods for grilling and barbecuing. A juicy burger hot off the grill is a summertime classic. While grilling burgers may seem simple, there are tips and techniques you can use to take your burgers from basic to sensational. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to grill burgers to perfection, with tips on choosing the right meat, forming the patties, preparing the grill, and cooking techniques. With these burger grilling tips, you’ll be flipping amazing burgers all summer long.
Choose the Right Ground Beef
The starting point for a great grilled burger is the meat itself. When selecting ground beef for burgers:
- Opt for 80/20 ground chuck. This ratio of 80% lean meat to 20% fat results in burgers that are juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
- Ground sirloin is a leaner option at 90/10, but can become dry on the grill.
- For ultimate juiciness, use freshly ground beef from your local butcher. Avoid pre-packaged grocery store ground beef.
- Ground brisket and short rib blends also make excellent, richly flavored burger meat.
- For the beefiest flavor, choose grass-fed and Angus beef options.
Form the Burger Patties
Forming your patties properly ensures they hold together on the grill:
- Shape patties to be wider than the bun or roll you’ll be serving them on, at least 4 inches in diameter. This prevents dry edges.
- Gently form patties by hand, don’t overwork the meat which can toughen them.
- Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up as they cook.
- For extra juiciness, add a tablespoon of water to the beef before forming patties.
- Refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
Prepare the Grill
The grill needs to be properly prepared to prevent burgers from sticking and falling apart:
- Clean and lightly oil the grill grates right before cooking. Use a sturdy grill brush.
- Preheat gas grills to high heat, aim for around 500°F to 600°F.
- For charcoal grills, prep coals for medium-high heat. They should be ashed over with slight red glow.
- Only flip burgers once during cooking. So allow grates to properly preheat before placing burgers.
Cook Burgers Over Direct High Heat
The key to maximizing burger juiciness is searing the outside quickly over high direct heat:
- Place burgers directly over hottest part of grill, the direct high heat. Don’t move them for at least 2 minutes, allowing the bottom to sear.
- Flip only once halfway through. Cook 2-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, 6 minutes per side for well done.
- Avoid pressing down on burgers as they cook, which squeezes out juices.
- Add any cheese in last 2 minutes to allow it to melt before serving.
- For buns, quickly toast cut-side down directly on grill during last minute of cooking.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- Let meat come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Brush onion, garlic, Worcestershire or other umami-rich ingredients on patties for added moistness and flavor.
- For smoky flavor, use wood chips, chunks or pellets in smoker box of gas grill or sprinkle onto coals.
- Grill some bacon, onions, mushrooms or other veggies along with burgers for delicious toppings.
With the right techniques and these top tips, you’ll be grilling up the juiciest, most flavorful burgers all summer long. Experiment with different ground beef blends, toppings and sauces to create your perfect grilled burger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Burgers
Still have some questions about getting the best results when grilling up burgers? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How do I know when burgers are done grilling?
Check temperature with instant-read meat thermometer, aimed into thickest portion. 160°F for medium, 170°F well-done. Meat should spring back when pressed and not release any pink juices.
Should I grill burgers frozen or thawed?
Always thaw meat before grilling burgers. Frozen patties won’t cook evenly and tend to burn on outside before inside is properly cooked.
What’s the best cheese for grilled burgers?
Go for slices of semi-soft cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack or provolone. Spreadable cheeses like bleu cheese or feta can also be added for last few mins for a meltier texture.
How can I prevent burgers from drying out on the grill?
Use 80/20 ground chuck, don’t overwork the meat when forming patties, and aim for medium doneness by grilling over direct high heat for just 4-6 mins per side.
What temperature do you cook burgers on a grill?
Get gas or charcoal grill as hot as possible, around 500°F to 600°F. Cook over direct high heat for a nice sear while keeping inside juicy. 2 mins per side is a good starting point.
What is the best way to get grill marks on burgers?
Make sure grill grates are very hot before placing burgers. Don’t move patties for at least 2 mins to allow grill marks to properly form. Use a grill press lightly for more defined marks.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a juicy backyard-grilled burger in summertime. With the right preparation, meat selection and grilling techniques, you can achieve the ultimate flavor, tenderness and ideal touch of char. Use this guide for tips on every step of the process for grilling burgers, from how to mix the beef, shape the patties and set up the grill to searing secrets. With the proper tools and know-how, your grilled burgers will be the hit of any cookout.