The rule of thumb for grilling hamburgers is to grill them until they reach the desired doneness, but not too long. It’s a delicate balance between browning the outside and not overcooking the inside.
First, you need to know the temperature of your grill. This can be a tricky thing to figure out, so here are some helpful tips.
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; this will give you the most accurate temperature reading.
How Long Should You Grill Burgers?
Before grilling, always allow your grill to cool down for 10 minutes or so, and then check the temperature with the thermometer. The internal temperature of the burger should be 160°F (or less). If it’s higher than that, put it back on the grill until it reaches 160°F again.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, try sticking an instant-read thermometer into each corner of the burger until it registers 160°F. This will give you a pretty good estimate if you’re in doubt about what temperatures your grill is reaching at various levels of heat.
Once your hamburgers are done on one side (it’s okay if they’re not done all the way through), flip them over and continue grilling until they reach the desired doneness. If you’re cooking a single patty, it will take about 5 to 8 minutes per side. If you’re cooking a double or triple patty, it will take about 8 to 12 minutes per side.
When you’re finished grilling your hamburgers, let them sit for five to ten minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, which is key for a juicy burger.
How To Check Internal Temperature Of A Grilled Burger
Most grills come with a probe for this very reason, but if yours does not, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the burger to check its internal temperature.
How To Grill Burgers Step by Step
To grill hamburgers perfectly every time you will need:
- Charcoal or gas grill that reaches at least 200°F.
- Meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer.
- Set of tongs to flip and turn your burgers while they cook.
- Grill brush or a wooden spoon to clean the grates.
- Baking sheet to place under your burgers to catch any grease that drips off of them.
- A small bowl of water to dip your hands in while you cook.
- Pair kitchen shears to cut your burgers into uniform patties.
- Sharp knife to help you cut and trim your meats.
- A small bowl of ice water to dip your hands in as a way to keep them from burning on the grill.
- Spatula or tongs for flipping and turning your burgers.
- Baking sheet to place your burgers on when you’re done.
- Non-stick grill mat to place under your burgers to catch any grease that drips off of them.
- Bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail while you work.
- An old t-shirt or dish towel for wiping the sweat off your brow after grilling.
- A cool breeze and a smile on your face.
Final Thoughts:
A burger is one of the most popular types of food served at any backyard barbeque. Burgers are served in restaurants, fast-food chains, and even sit-down restaurants. Burgers can be made from beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or even vegetables. The options for burgers are almost endless. Once you try making your own burger recipe, you will never go back to store-bought burgers again!
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to grill burgers?
A: Grill them on high heat for about 10 minutes per side for a medium-rare burger. For a medium-well burger, flip only once and cook for another 5 minutes. For a well-done burger, cook on low heat for at least 15 minutes per side.
Q: What should I serve with my burgers?
A: Burgers can be served with anything from ketchup and mustard