Grilling burgers is a classic summer pastime, and there's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, amazing burger hot off the grill. However, achieving the perfect burger requires more than just slapping some patties on the grill and hoping for the best. To help you elevate your burger game and impress your guests at your next backyard barbecue, we've put together this comprehensive guide with tips and tricks for grilling the perfect burger.
1. How To Choose The Right Burger Meat
The first step to grilling the perfect burger is to start with the right meat. Choose a grass fed ground beef with a fat content around 85/15. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground chuck, brisket, or short rib, for added taste and richness.
2. How To Form The Perfect Burger Patties
Once you've chosen your ground beef, it's time to form the patties. Handle the meat gently and avoid overworking it, as this can result in tough burgers. Divide the meat into evenly sized portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than the size of the buns, as the patties will shrink during cooking. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the centre of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during grilling.
3. How To Season Your Burger Meat
Seasoning is key to a delicious burger. Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper, or experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can also mix in minced garlic, grated onion, or Worcestershire sauce into the meat for added flavour. Remember to season the patties just before grilling, as salt can draw out moisture from the meat if applied too early.
4. Preheat Your Grill For Burgers
Preparation is crucial for grilling success. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) for optimal burger grilling. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the patties from sticking. You can oil the grates with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil using a brush or a paper towel.
5. Burger Grilling Times & Meat Temps
Place the seasoned patties on the preheated grill and close the lid to create an even cooking environment. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this can cause the juices to escape and result in dry burgers. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
6. Adding Cheese & Toasting Your Burger Buns
During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt and create a gooey layer. Also, place the buns, cut-side down, on the grill to toast them until slightly crispy and golden brown. This adds an extra layer of texture and depth to your burgers.
7. Assemble & Serving Your Burgers
Once the burgers are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling. Assemble the burgers with your toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments, and serve them on the toasted buns. Add some corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato salad, fries or chips.
There you have it - you can now grill the perfect burger! All that's left is for you to order our premium burgers, and to get cooking!
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