How to Grill the Perfect Juicy Burger
No need to worry about overcooking another burger with this guide. A juicy burger with layers of cheese and perfect condiments is the perfect way to bring in the New Year. Here’s everything you need to know to master the grill.
Temperature. Burgers need to be cooked at just the right temperature. If the heat is too high you could end up with a dry and burnt burger. Too low of a temperature and you’ll end up with a placid and rubbery patty. The sweet spot for grilling burgers is 375F to 400F, for most grills this is medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoals you want to fill the grill with two to three quarts in an even layer. Place the burgers directly over the heat source instead of indirectly cooking them.
Time. Burgers at the right temperature need just the right amount of time to get the desired patty. The FDA recommends beef to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F for safety but if you prefer medium-rare and know the beef source, you can remove it at 145F.
- Medium-rare (red in the middle): 3 minutes each side
- Medium (pink in the middle): 3 to 4 minutes each side
- Medium-well (a bit of pink in the middle): 4 minutes each side
- Well-done (no pink): 5 minutes each side
Source: the Kitchn