how do you cook burgers properly

When the weather heats up and the lure of backyard barbecues takes hold, one craving ousts all others: that for a big, juicy burger. But whether you’re new to grilling burgers or you’re a seasoned pro—or you’re cooking for someone who prefers a different level of doneness than you—it’s a good idea to stop and read through our guide to how to grill burgers (and how long to grill burgers) for optimal satisfaction.

Cooking your burgers Pop your burgers on the barbecue or in a hot, non-stick frying pan with a little oil. Cook for 5-6 mins on each side for medium and 8-9 mins on each side for well done. The NHS Live Well website recommends not leaving any pink meat in your burger.

How to season burgers

A big burger deserves big flavor, but that doesnt mean you need to go bananas with the seasoning. When youre working with high-quality meat, sautéed onions mixed into the patties just arent necessary—and that goes double for raw onions. Other things to leave behind: egg, bread crumbs, cumin, garlic powder, taco seasoning, etc. Its not a meatloaf, people!

Two seasonings you should incorporate: salt and pepper. Avoid mixing these seasonings into the burger meat, however, since adding salt to ground beef prematurely can toughen it. Instead, season the patties with ample kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper after they’re shaped and right before you plan to take them out to the grill.

Choose the best burger meat

Ground chuck is a great all-purpose, buy-it-anywhere choice for burger recipes. Whatever you do, look for beef with a fat content of 20%. That 80/20 ratio is the key to a perfect burger that’s juicy but not greasy. Want to try a custom blend? Go for it. Ask your butcher to grind part chuck with short ribs or brisket and live your most bespoke life.

Not grilling beef patties? The alternatives are endless: chicken burgers, turkey burgers, even salmon burgers! Opt for dark meat poultry, fatty fish, or ground pork or lamb shoulder (or black beans and quinoa if it’s a veggie burger you’re after). Note that the poultry or seafood patties should be cooked through completely. Medium-rare is not a good look on a chicken or fish burger. Otherwise, the rules below should apply to these as with any beef burger.

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FAQ

What is the best method for cooking burgers?

Is it better to cook burgers in the oven or pan?

Is it better to cook burgers on stove or grill?

How do you cook a burger in a skillet?

Cooking hamburgers in a skillet may be the simplest method around, and it’s a delicious one, too; the burgers will cook in their own rendered fat, yielding juicy, flavorful meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, carefully lay the seasoned patties in the skillet, leaving space between each one.

How to make a healthy burger?

There are different ways to make a healthy burger. Traditional bread can be replaced by wholemeal bread or skillet bread rich in fiber or other similar preparations. The sauce used can be a homemade avocado sauce or beet hummus for example. Meat can be prepared at home with ground beef and natural seasonings or you can use shredded chicken breast or canned tuna. Lettuce, tomato and onion are also welcome and a healthy burger.

How do you cook a burger on the other side?

Quickly slide a spatula under the burgers and flip to the other side. You should see a dark brown sear on the underside — if not, increase your heat next time. Season the other side generously with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to your preferred doneness.

How long do you cook burgers in a pan?

Add a pat of butter to the pan and swirl until it’s well coated; this will keep the patties from sticking and give them a nice sear. Place the patties in the pan, leaving a little space to breathe in between each burger. You might need to do it in batches. Cook the burgers for three to four minutes, until they’re well seared on the bottom side.