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.
Medium-Rare: Grill burgers for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. Look for 130-135 degrees F on the thermometer reading. Medium: Grill for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side, or until 140-145 degrees F. Medium Well/Well Done: 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side, or until 155-160 degrees F.
Shape those burgers right
When forming a burger for the grill, aim for a ¾” to 1″ thickness and a 3″ to 4″ diameter. The burgers will shrink slightly as they cook, so you want the raw patties to skew a little larger than the buns onto which they’ll eventually land. Make a small dimple in the center of the patty—this indentation will prevent your burger from puffing up like a balloon, ensuring an even and picturesque patty. Work quickly but gently, and don’t compress the patty too much: The enemy of any burger is overworked meat.
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.
How Long To Grill Burgers (Gas Grill)
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a cheeseburger?
How long does it take for a burger to be fully cooked?
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Doneness
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Color
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Cook Time (total)
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Medium-Rare
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red in the middle
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6 minutes
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Medium
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pink in the middle
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7-8 minutes
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Medium-Well
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smidge of pink
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9 minutes
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Well-Done
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no pink
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10 minutes
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How long to cook a burger on one side?
How do you know when a cheeseburger is done?
How long do you cook a burger per side?
For a rare burger, cook for 2 minutes per side for 4 minutes total. For a medium-rare burger, cook for 2 minutes and thirty seconds per side for 5 minutes total. For a medium burger, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per side for 6 to 7 minutes total. For a well-done burger, cook for 4 to 4 1/2 minutes per side for 8 to 9 minutes total.
How long do you cook a burger on a grill?
Add a minute on one side for medium burgers, flipping at 4 minutes for the first side, and removing from the grill after 5 minutes, for a total cook time of 9 minutes. Remember, your grill should be pre-heated before you even add the meat, so it’s cooking at a similar temperature the entire time.
Can you cook a cheeseburger on a grill?
Resist the urge to press on the patties, which can cause flare-ups and lead to dry burgers, and you won’t be sorry. For perfect cheeseburgers—because who doesn’t want a cheeseburger—slap on a slice of cheese once you flip the burgers and cover the grill for the last minute of cooking.
How long do you cook a burger before flipping?
So if the first side cooked for five minutes before flipping, the second side will go for about four minutes. The burger is done when the meat is somewhat firm to the touch, springing back after you gently press the center with tongs or your finger. Juice will also want to pop up through the light crust.