Grilling a perfect burger takes a little practice, but once you dial in a few simple steps it becomes second nature. Burgers are versatile and great for quick weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Small tweaks to ingredients and technique mean you can enjoy a different burger every time.
You might be thinking, “How hard can it be?” and you’re right — burgers aren’t complicated. But when you work with fresh ground beef instead of pre-formed frozen patties, a little technique goes a long way. Treat the basics right and you’ll get juicy, flavorful burgers every time.
How To Grill A Burger – The Meat Matters:
The cut and fat content of your ground beef matter. I avoid the tube-packed grocery meat when possible and prefer freshly ground beef from a butcher or a reputable source. Higher fat content (around 20%) gives better flavor and juiciness. If you don’t have a local butcher, order quality meat from a trusted supplier.
How To Grill A Burger – The Cooking Method:
You can grill burgers on many appliances: gas grill, charcoal, Blackstone griddle, cast-iron skillet, indoor electric grills, or a stovetop pan. I’m partial to a gas grill, but a hot flat top or heavy skillet gives excellent results too. The key is even heat and a clean, well-oiled cooking surface.
Blackstone Tabletop Grill – 22 Inch Portable Gas Griddle – Propane Fueled Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set (8-Inch and 12-Inch) Philips Smoke-less Indoor BBQ Grill
Ingredients For The Perfect Grilled Burger:
Ground Beef — choose quality beef with enough fat for flavor and moisture.
Burger Seasoning — simple salt and pepper works, or use your favorite blend. A whiskey-style burger seasoning is a great option if you want bold flavor.
Olive Oil — for lightly oiling your hands, press, and grill surface.
Burger Toppings — cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, condiments, and any other favorites.
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How To Use A Burger Press
Start by placing cold ground beef in a bowl and mixing in your seasoning. Rub your hands with a little olive oil before handling the meat to prevent sticking.
A burger press takes the guesswork out of shaping uniform patties. Adjust the press to your desired thickness. Lightly oil the press and, if you like, place a small square of parchment paper under the meat to make removal and flipping easier.
If you form patties by hand, keep them uniform in size and slightly larger than your bun since they shrink while cooking. Lightly indent the center of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon — this helps them cook evenly and prevents doming.
How To Grill A Burger Perfectly:
Clean and oil your grill grates or pan first. A clean, well-oiled surface prevents sticking and gives better sear marks.
Heat the grill or pan until very hot, then place the patties down. Don’t move them around — let a good crust form before flipping.
Two key tips: limit how often you flip the burgers and never press down on them while cooking. Pressing squeezes out the juices and dries the burger.
When the burgers reach your target doneness, remove them from the heat and let them rest briefly. I turn off the grill, add cheese while the heat is still present, and let the patties rest for a few minutes. Resting helps redistribute juices for a juicier bite.
Top with your favorite condiments and enjoy.
What To Serve With The Perfect Grilled Burger:
Grilled side dishes: grilled asparagus with cheese, cheese-stuffed mushrooms, grilled loaded potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, grilled zucchini, or bacon-wrapped asparagus make great pairings.
Smoked side dishes: smoked baked potatoes, smoked green bean casserole, smoked sweet potato casserole, smoked loaded cheesy potatoes, smoked deviled eggs, smoked baked beans, or creamy smoked macaroni and cheese are excellent if you’re using a smoker.
The Perfect Burger Toppings:
- Cheese
- Fried or soft-cooked egg
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Fry sauce or your favorite condiment
What’s your go-to burger topping or technique? Try a few variations to find your favorite combination.
How To Grill A Burger
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Equipment
- Burger Press
- Mixing Bowl
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 Pounds Ground Beef
- Burger Seasoning (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for handling and grilling)
Instructions
- Place cold ground beef into a bowl.
- Rub your hands with a little olive oil and mix in seasoning until evenly distributed. I often use minced onions and a seasoning salt blend.
- If using a burger press, place a portion of meat on the press, cover with parchment if desired, and compress to shape. If forming by hand, oil your hands and shape patties evenly.
- Lightly oil your grill grates or pan and preheat until hot.
- Place patties on the hot surface and let them sear without moving them. Flip as few times as possible.
- Do not press down on the patties while cooking; that squeezes out juices.
- When done, remove from heat, add cheese if desired, and let the burgers rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve.
Nutrition
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