There’s nothing worse than biting into a dry, flavorless burger. Grilling the perfect burger isn’t just about slapping some meat on the grill; it takes a bit of know-how. With these simple tips, you’ll be making juicy, delicious burgers that everyone will rave about.
Choose the Right Meat
Go for ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). More fat means more flavor and juiciness in your burgers.
Handle the Meat Gently
When forming patties, don’t overwork the meat. Being too rough can make the burgers dense and tough. Gentle hands make for tender, juicy burgers.
Make an Indentation
Press a small dent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and stops them from puffing up in the middle.
Season Generously
Season with salt and pepper just before grilling. Doing it too early can draw out moisture, leaving your burgers dry. Seasoning right before keeps the juices locked in.
Keep the Grill Hot
Preheat your grill to high heat. A hot grill sears the outside of the burgers, creating a delicious crust and locking in the juices.
Avoid Pressing Down
Don’t press down on the burgers with a spatula while grilling. Pressing squeezes out the juices, which means dry burgers. Let them cook undisturbed.
Flip Only Once
Flip the burgers just once. Flipping multiple times can cause the meat to break apart and lose its juices. Let them cook on one side, then flip and finish.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 160°F for medium, ensuring they’re cooked through but still juicy. This avoids the guesswork and keeps the burgers just right.
Rest the Burgers
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite juicier and more flavorful.
Add Toppings at the Right Time
Add cheese or other toppings during the last minute of grilling. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly without overcooking the burger, keeping it juicy and delicious.
How to Grill the Perfect Burger
Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your guests with perfectly grilled burgers. From lighting the coals to adding the last slice of cheese, our expert guide will lead you through how to grill delicious burgers. Your backyard BBQ just got a whole lot tastier.
Read it Here: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
25 Juicy Burger Recipes
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and gather with friends and family. And what’s a BBQ without some amazing burgers? We’ve rounded up some great burger recipes that will make your cookout a hit. From classic beef to creative twists, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipes: 25 Juicy Burger Recipes
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
