You don't want to overcook your burgers if you are on grill duty tonight. This can be a tough task, as there are many variables to consider when grilling. So, let's take a look at how long to grill burgers on a gas or charcoal grill.
First, get your charcoal or gas grill to 375-400 degrees F. For burgers that are 1/2-inch thick, you will want to reach an internal temperature depending on how you like your burger cooked:
- Rare burgers: 5-6 minutes total with an internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
- Medium-rare burgers: 6-7 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- Medium burgers: 8 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Well-done burgers: 10 minutes total with an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Before you hit the grill, we have more tips for the perfect burger. In this article, we will walk you through everything from how to choose the best ground beef for burgers to how to shape the perfect patty. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about grilling burgers on the grill, so keep reading!
![beef or pork meat barbecue burgers for hamburger prepared grilled on bbq fire flame grill, How Long To Grill Burgers [Charcoal Or Gas Grill]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1How-Long-To-Grill-Burgers-Charcoal-Or-Gas-Grill.png)
How To Grill A Perfect Burger On A Grill
Believe it or not, there is a science to grilling the perfect burger. If you cook your burger too long, it will be dry and overcooked. But, on the other hand, if you don't cook your burger long enough, it will be undercooked and potentially unsafe to eat. So, how do you achieve the perfect balance?
There are steps that need to be taken before the burger can hit the grill. Let's take a look:
Choosing The Right Ground Beef
When it comes to grilling burgers, you want to make sure you are using the right type of ground beef. The best type of ground beef for burgers is 80/20 ground chuck. This means that the beef is 80% lean and 20% fat. The fat is important, as it helps to keep the burger juicy.
If you are looking for a leaner burger, you can use 90/10 ground beef. However, these burgers will be less juicy and more likely to dry out. For the juiciest burgers, stick with 80/20 ground chuck.
However, the leaner burger is healthier. So, if you are looking for a healthier burger, go for the 90/10 ground beef. If you are a hunter or know one, you can also opt for deer or elk meat. These meats are very lean and are a great option for those looking for a healthy burger.
Shaping The Perfect Patty
There is a debate on whether the patty should be over or under an inch in thickness. However, we believe that the perfect patty should be 1/2 an inch thick. This thickness ensures that the burger is cooked through but is still juicy.
The burger will be difficult to cook through without drying out if you go too thick. If you go too thin, the burger will cook too quickly and will be dry. So, the perfect patty is 1/2 of an inch thick.
In addition, you don't want your patty circumference to be less than the bun. So shape your patties to fit the bun. This will ensure that your burger is a perfect size.
Before you make your patty, this is a good time to add seasonings of your choice. We recommend using salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings of your choice. Once you have added the seasonings, mix everything together gently with your hands.
First, divide the ground beef into equal portions to shape the patty. Then, take one portion and gently press it into a disc.
Once you have shaped the patty, make a slight divot in the center of the burger. This will help the burger to cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up in the center.
Now that you have your patties shaped, it's time to hit the grill!
Preheating The Grill
No matter if you are using a gas or charcoal grill, you want to make sure that you preheat the grill before adding the burgers. For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat, about 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
You want to wait until the coals are ashed over for a charcoal grill and have low to medium-high heat. You can test the heat of the grill by holding your hand about 5 inches above the grates. If you can hold your hand there for 3-4 seconds, the grill is at medium-high heat and ready for the burgers.
Most grills will have a thermometer on the lid. If your grill doesn't have a thermometer, you can purchase one at your local hardware store.
Adding The Burgers To The Grill
Once the grill is preheated, it's time to add the burgers. First, make sure that you oil the grates before adding the burgers. This will help to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
To oil the grates, simply take a paper towel and dip it in your oil of choice. We recommend using olive oil or vegetable oil. Once the paper towel is saturated, hold it with tongs and rub it over the grates.
Now that the grates are oiled, it's time to add the burgers. Gently place the burgers on the grill and close the lid.
Avoid smashing the burgers when you add them to the grill, as this will release all of the juices. Plus, it will make it difficult to flip the burgers.
Flipping The Burgers
Avoid over-flipping the burgers, as this will dry them out. Instead, flip the burgers only once, about halfway through cooking. You'll know when it's time to flip the burger when you see juices pooling on the top of the burger.
Once you've flipped the burgers, close the lid and let them cook until they are done. You can tell if the burgers are done in two ways: time or internal temperature.
Depending on how you and your guests like your burgers done, the cooking time will vary. For example, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side if you like your burger well-done.
If you have a meat thermometer, you can check the internal temperature of the burgers:
- Rare burgers: 5-6 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 125 degrees F.
- Medium-rare burgers: 6-7 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
- Medium burgers: 8 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Well-done burgers: 10 minutes total, with an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Once the burgers have reached the desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
How Do You Avoid Overcooking Burgers?
One mistake people make when grilling burgers is setting the temperature too high. This will cause the outside of the burger to be well-done while the inside is still raw.
Remember, it's always better to err on the side of undercooking, as you can always put the burger back on the grill if it's not cooked enough.
Another mistake people make is over-flipping the burgers. This will cause the burger to dry out and release all of the juices. Once you've added the burgers to the grill, resist the urge to flip them more than once.
Lastly, don't press down on the burgers while they are cooking, as this will cause all of the juices to be released.
Is A Gas Or Charcoal Grill Better For Burgers?
Both gas and charcoal grills have their pros and cons for grilling burgers.
Some people prefer gas grills because they are easy to use and maintain. However, gas grills also tend to be more expensive than charcoal grills. Plus, gas grills are easier to control the temperature on.
On the other hand, charcoal grills give food a smoky flavor that some people prefer. You can choose from a variety of charcoal briquettes to get different flavors.
Plus, charcoal grills can make it more fun as you have to light the grill and wait for the coals to be ready.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Both gas and charcoal grills can be used to make delicious burgers.
When Should You Add Cheese To A Burger?
If you want cheese on your burger, we recommend adding it during the last minute of cooking. This will help prevent the cheese from melting and sliding off the burger.
If you put it on too late, it won't melt, and you could overcook the burger.
To add cheese, simply place a slice on top of the burger and close the lid for the last minute of cooking. When slicing your own cheese, don't make them too thick, or it won't melt properly.
Why Add Seasonings Before Making The Burger Patties?
Adding seasonings to the ground beef before making the patties helps to flavor the burger all the way through.
If you only season the outside of the burger, the flavors will only be on the surface. Plus, most of it will be burnt off by the flames of the grill.
Some people like to add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to their ground beef. Others like to get creative and add their favorite spices.
Feel free to experiment and find what you like best. Just remember to add the seasonings before making the patties.
Final Thoughts
Grilling burgers can be done in any number of ways. It all comes down to personal preference. However, you don't want a hockey puck for a burger, so be sure to follow the tips above to avoid overcooking.
Made it to the end? Here are other articles that you might find helpful:
Types Of Hamburger [Everything You Ever Need To Know]
How To Cook Hamburgers In A Ninja Foodi Grill
How To Season Hamburgers For The Grill [9 Seasonings To Try Out]
![Two delicious burgers with ranch dressing, lettuce, and cheese on a small wooden plate, How To Season Hamburgers For The Grill [9 Seasonings To Try Out]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Two-delicious-burgers-with-ranch-dressing-lettuce-and-cheese-on-a-small-wooden-plate-250x250.jpg)
