How do you grill burgers like a pro?

12 Pro Tips on How to Grill a Perfect Burger
  1. #1 - Start With the Right Beef.
  2. #2 - Be Careful Not to Over-Season.
  3. #3 - Don't Mix the Meat Too Much.
  4. #4 - Aim For the Ideal Thickness.
  5. #5 - Keep Them Level.
  6. #6 - Start With Cold Ground Beef.
  7. #7 - Cook on a Clean Grill.
  8. #8 - Use a Two-Zone Cooking Method.
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How to cook a perfect burger on the grill?

IF USING A GRILL: Heat a gas grill to high or heat coals in a charcoal grill until they glow bright orange and ash over. Brush the burgers with the oil. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on the first side, about 3 minutes for beef and 5 minutes for turkey. Flip over the burgers.
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How do you make burgers like a pro?

Generously salt and pepper both sides of the burger patties. Place the burgers on the grill grates and cook, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes a side, depending on the desired level of doneness. If you're adding cheese to make cheeseburgers, add the cheese in the last minute and cover the grill to help it melt.
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Should burgers be grilled covered or uncovered?

Cut of meat

Thin pork chops, shrimp, and burgers tend to cook quickly. Leaving the grill lid up will slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat. For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even.
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Should You Brush burgers with oil before grilling?

Lightly brush the burgers on both sides with melted butter or extra-virgin olive oil just before grilling. This helps prevent sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor. You'll also need to practice good grill hygiene by heating, scraping and oiling the grill's grate prior to grilling.
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The Art of Grilling: How to Grill a Burger



What makes a grilled burger juicy?

Making a juicy, flavorful hamburger starts with using the ideal beef-to-fat ratio. In this case, we recommend an 80/20 ratio—that's 80% beef to 20% fat; just enough fat to make it juicy. You can use a 90/10 ratio if you like, but remember that the leaner the beef, the less flavor and juice you'll get to enjoy later on.
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What is the secret to a good burger?

Seasoning the burger well provides big flavor and that perfect bite. Cooking the burger on high heat is a must. The grill or pan should be at 600 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and a good way to test is by using a bit of vegetable oil, which starts to smoke at 400-500 degrees. If using a pan, use cast iron.
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Why do you place an ice cube on a burger when grilling?

The ice cube will prevent the burgers from overcooking and add a bit of extra moisture to the beef — something that's especially helpful if you're grilling rather large patties. What you're gonna do is take a ball of ground beef, gently press a little ice cube in the center, and form the beef around it so it's sealed.
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How does Bobby Flay cook a burger?

Bobby Flay shares his secrets to making the ultimate burger
  1. Use 80/20 ground chuck. ...
  2. Make a thumbprint in the middle of the patty. ...
  3. Season with salt and pepper ONLY. ...
  4. Use canola oil, cast iron and high heat. ...
  5. Flip once. ...
  6. Get the temperature just right. ...
  7. Don't be afraid to mix cheeses. ...
  8. Add water to melt the cheese.
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What is the best burger cooking method?

Pan-frying is a great method for cooking burgers using minimal time while achieving maximum flavor. A super hot, dry skillet allows the burger to quickly develop a flavorful outer crust without overcooking the interior, keeping the center juicy.
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What does Bobby Flay put in his burgers?

Bobby starts out with a simple burger patty but layers on the flavor with homemade toppings: queso sauce, roasted peppers and pickled red onions.
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Should you mix seasoning into burgers?

So for the best burgers, don't do ANYTHING to it before you shape the meat it into patties. Don't dump it in a bowl to add seasoning — not even salt and pepper — and mix it around. That includes adding anything other than salt and pepper, like eggs, onions, or herbs.
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Should you put butter on a burger before grilling?

Did you know adding butter to your burger patties makes tender, juicier burgers? To make the classic butter burger, you must mix your ground beef with grated frozen butter before grilling or cooking. Don't forget to butter your hamburger buns and toast for extra flavor and crispiness.
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How do you know when to flip a burger on the grill?

You'll know to flip the patties when you see liquid pooling on the uncooked surface. Be careful not to char the meat or press down on the patties with a spatula while cooking, you'll squeeze out all those flavorful juices.
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Do you put seasoning on burgers before grilling?

It's better to season your burger as it's cooking so it develops a crust on the outside. Either season your patties just before grilling them but after forming the patties, or season while they're cooking on the grill or in a pan.
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Why do you push in the middle of a burger?

Thumbprint for Even Cooking

To ensure that the meat cooks evenly, make a thumbprint indentation into each patty before it goes on the grill. The indentation helps the patty hold its shape—rather than swelling—as it shrinks during cooking.
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Is it better to cook burgers on low or high heat?

This Is the Best Temperature for Grilled Burgers

Grill your burgers over too high a heat and you'll end up with dry, burnt burgers; too low and they'll be placid and rubber. The sweet spot for grilled burgers is 375°F to 400°F, which for most gas grill is medium-high heat.
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Should hamburger patties be cold before grilling?

Keep Burgers Cold Until They Hit the Grill

Unlike other meats that will cook up better if brought to room temperature before hitting the grill, you want those patties cold so they stay together and stay as juicy as possible. Put the patties on a tray or platter, covered, in the fridge while the grill heats up.
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Why do hamburgers taste better in restaurants?

What gives? As it turns out, it's all about the kitchen tools. Most top-notch burger places use a flat-top griddle to cook their burgers. These griddles are set at a consistent temperature, one that allows the burgers to get a sear while cooking evenly on the inside, locking in the juices.
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Should I use butter or oil for burgers?

You do need oil to cook your skillet burger. Some preferred to use butter to cook a skillet burger, however we choose olive oil. Cook your burgers on medium high heat and do not flip until about 5 minutes of cooking on the first side. If you want a cheeseburger, wait till after you flip the burger.
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How do you make hamburger patties more flavorful?

6 expert tricks for packing your burgers with flavor
  1. Tip 1: Go Beyond All-Beef: Combine Lean and Fattier Meats. ...
  2. Tip 2: Mix Seasonings Into the Meat, But Don't Overwork the Meat. ...
  3. Tip 4: Add Colorful Herbs. ...
  4. Tip 5: Get Creative with Flavor Combinations.
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How long should burgers sit before grilling?

Make ahead: The burger patties can be seasoned, shaped, and refrigerated for up to 1 day ahead before grilling. Let the patties sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling to take the chill off.
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How do restaurants make juicy burgers?

Juicy burgers start with using meat that contains enough fat. 80/20 beef is recommended, as the fat is what creates the juice, not additives like Worcestershire sauce. If you use exceptionally lean ground beef your patties will be dry because there won't be enough fat to render during cooking.
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When should you season burgers?

The best time to salt your burger patties is as close to the actual cooking time as possible. Make sure your pan or grill is hot, then reach for your salt and season the outside of the patties right before you cook them.
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