How to Grill Hamburgers

Grilling hamburgers is a quintessential part of summer barbecues and backyard gatherings. However, not everyone knows the right techniques to grill a perfect hamburger. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to grill a hamburger like a pro while sharing some tips and tricks that will help take your burgers to a whole new level!

How to cook burgers on a grill

In this guide, we'll break it down into three main parts, the grill, the meat, and the cook. I'll pepper in some tips and tricks in each section as well as the basics you need to grill up the perfect burger.

The Grill

• Charcoal -  If you have a charcoal grill, you'll want to use your preferred fire starter or a chimney to light 3-4 pounds of charcoal (or enough to cover half the grill area) and bank it all on one side of the grill to give yourself a direct and indirect grilling zone.
• Propane/Gas - To properly preheat a gas grill, just turn all burners to medium-high to high and let it warm up for 15-20 minutes. To achieve the same indirect/direct setup, just turn half of your burners off after the preheat step.
• Pellet Smoker - Preheating a pellet grill is super easy, just turn the grill up to its highest temperature. Once the grill reaches its high temp, be ready to grill. You will not be able to get an indirect/direct zone setup, so when it's time for the indirect zone in the section below, you'll just want to turn the grill temperature down to 250°F.

Pro Tip: If you have the ability to add wood or smoke to your grill setup, you'll want to use woods that are specifically known to pair well with beef. Oak, hickory, and mesquite are all great options.

The Meat

• Fat equals FLAVOR - We're going to focus on the standard ground beef burger for this guide. You will want to choose ground beef that is at least 20% fat in order to maximize flavor and juiciness. If you have the budget and time, it's best to get a chuck roast and grind it yourself or have your local butcher grind it for you. 
• Size Matters - The size of patty you make can make all the difference in the final product. 4-6 ounces is a sweet spot for a standard grilled hamburger. Your focus should be on the circumference or width of the patty as opposed to thickness. Make the patties roughly an inch to 1 1/2 inches wider than the bun you're using. These will shrink up as they cook, and you'll want the patty to fill up the bun as best as possible. 
• Season Simply - A good burger should be treated like a steak. You can simply season with salt, pepper, and garlic (Lane s SPG) or any of the following of our rubs; Signature, Cubano, Brisket, or Spellbound Hot. You'll want to season the patties a few minutes before they hit the grill, but not too long before, as the salt will pull out moisture from the burger the longer it sits before cooking.

Pro Tip: Don't overhandle or pack the meat too tightly while forming the patties, which can cause a tougher texture. Only add seasoning to the meat after the patties are formed.

The Cook 

• The Sear - Once the grill is preheated, place the hamburger patties on the direct heat side of the grill, and cook for around 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Do not press the patties during this time, as it can force out juices and make for a dry burger.
• Cook to Temp - Once you get the grill marks or sear that you want, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Doneness temps are as follows; Medium rare - 135˚ to 140˚, Medium - 140˚ to 145˚, Medium well - 145˚ to 150˚, Well done - 160˚ to 165˚. Cook the burgers over indirect heat until they reach your desired doneness level.
• Get Cheesy - If you are adding cheese to your burger, do so during the last 1-2 minutes of the cook time so it can start the melting process. 
• Assembly - Once the patties and buns are ready, it's time to assemble the burgers. Place the patties on the bottom buns, and add your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Serve your delicious burgers hot off the grill and enjoy them with your favorite sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Pro Tip: Use toasted brioche or potato buns for a soft and buttery texture.

 

Conclusion

Grilling a hamburger is an easy and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. Follow these simple steps to grill a perfect hamburger, and don't forget to choose high-quality meat, add your favorite toppings, and toast the buns for an added crunch. 

Happy Grilling!