Grilled burgers are a summertime classic! Learn the best techniques and tips for grilling hamburgers to perfection. Grilling burgers certainly isn’t complicated, but this easy step by step recipe (and my expert grilling tips) will make them even easier and more delicious than ever!
There’s just something about a classic, juicy burger, isn’t there? It’s the easiest summertime food – but honestly, we eat burgers all year long! We’ve chatted a bit about hamburgers in the past, including the most incredible gourmet burger topping combination and so much more. I’ve got so much inspiration for fabulous burgers!
Grilling burgers is one of the easiest things you can do for dinner. However, it’s easy to take this classic meal and turn it up a few notches with a few of my favorite tips. Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Ingredients
- Ground Chuck – 80/20 is what we tend to choose for burgers. The higher fat content ensures a more moist burger after grilling.
- Egg Yolk – Adds moisture to your burgers and helps bind the meat mixture.
- Olive Oil – This traps a little extra moisture into your burgers! The additional oil creates a fabulously juicy finish.
- Minced Garlic – Buy the pre-minced garlic in the produce section of your local grocer. You can also mince fresh garlic cloves, but this is an easy shortcut.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper – perfect spicy finish.
How Long to Cook Burgers on Grill
For large burger patties, you’ll cook for approximately seven minutes over medium heat.
- rare 4 minutes 125
- med rare 5-6 minutes 135
- medium 6-7 minutes 145
- well done 8-9 mins 160
Looking for a complete guide to meat temperatures? This free complete printable meat temperature chart is such a handy tool. And speaking of tools, don’t skip my favorite digital meat thermometer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Grill the patties over direct medium-high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked through (or to your desired doneness), turning just once.
Salt removes water from the meat and dissolves some of the proteins, which can create a less tender burger. Ideally, salt your burgers just as they hit the grill or pan, or just after, but don’t add salt as you’re making the patties.
Tips from My Test Kitchen
- Grilled burgers are not the place to save on fat. Choose a higher fat ground beef for your grilled burgers, because they do render quite a bit through the grill grates while cooking. We like 80/20 for our grilled burgers.
- Keep the patties cold. In fact, as you mix the beef mixture and form the patties, touch them as little as possible.
- Don’t add salt to your meat mixture as you make your burger patties. You can get the flavor while maintaining tenderness by adding the sea salt to formed patties just before or after cooking them.
- Handle the meat as little as possible. Ideally, you’ll flip the grilled burgers just once.
- Don’t press down with your spatula- this forces the juices from the meat instead of locking them in.
- Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes (tent to keep warm) after you remove them from the grill. Again, this helps to lock the juices inside.
- Toasted Burger Buns are excellent for throwing on the grill, too!
Burger Toppings
There are so many fun options to experiment with in your burgers. Try any of these ideas for an out-of-this-world grilled burger you’ll crave.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Burgers
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ground beef 80/20
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt optional, fresh cracked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 450℉ (or medium high).
- Make burger patties. Mix ground beef, egg yolk and minced garlic in a medium mixing bowl, and then form 4 patties.16 ounces ground beef, 1 egg yolk, 2 cloves garlic
- Brush the outside of patties with olive oil and pepper.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Place burger patties onto direct heat. Do not press down.
- Flip after 3-5 minutes, or approximately halfway through.
- Add cracks of optional sea salt when they are almost fully cooked. Add cheese when there is just 1 minute remaining, and close the lid to melt it. Serve and enjoy!
Julie’s Tips
- Grilled burgers are not the place to save on fat. Choose a higher fat ground beef for your grilled burgers, because they do render quite a bit through the grill grates while cooking. We like 80/20 for our grilled burgers.
- Keep the patties cold. In fact, as you mix the beef mixture and form the patties, touch them as little as possible.
- Be cautious with adding too much salt (or simply wait until after cooking your burgers) as it can draw the moisture out of the meat.
- Handle the meat as little as possible while cooking too. Ideally, flip the patties just once.
- Do not press down with your grilling spatula- this forces the juices from the meat instead of locking them in.
- Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes (tent to keep warm) after you remove them from the grill. Again, this helps to lock the juices inside.
Variations
Use my favorite homemade burger seasoning blend for an instant burger upgrade!How Long to Cook Burgers on Grill
For large burger patties, you’ll cook for approximately seven minutes over medium heat. These are the temperatures to aim for if you’re using a meat thermometer.- rare 4 minutes 125
- med rare 5-6 minutes 135
- medium 6-7 minutes 145
- well done 8-9 mins 160
Video
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
