Hints on Grilling the Perfect Hamburger
The hamburger is one of those all-season American foods that defines the cookout. On the Fourth of July, approximately 80% of all Americans host or attend a cookout where grilled burgers are served. Although the hamburger is a fairly basic food, there are secrets and tips that you can use to ensure your burgers are the hit of the cookout. This article covers how to make a fine burger mixture and how long to grill hamburgers.
The length of time you grill a hamburger depends on a few variables, including the thickness of the burger and the temperature at which you’re cooking them. If you’re concerned about foodborne illness, you’ll want the center of the hamburger to reach a temperature of 155°F. At this temperature, all disease-causing bacteria are killed, which would make your burger medium well.
If you prefer your burger medium (140-145°F), medium rare (130-135°F), or rare (120-125°F), you are taking a chance of contracting food poisoning. However, the higher the internal temperature of the meat, the lower the chance of getting sick. It’s recommended to use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the doneness of your burgers.
If you’re grilling a hamburger that’s 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, allow anywhere from 10 to 16 minutes of cooking time. Grill burgers over medium heat, and turn them every four minutes. By the way, if you turn a hamburger too soon—before the outside is cooked—it will stick to the grill, and you’ll lose part of it. If you’re making a cheeseburger, top it with cheese as soon as the meat is cooked. Serve it on a toasted burger bun, Kaiser roll, or onion roll with appropriate condiments and toppings.
Delicious Burger Variations to Try
Savory Beef Burgers
These burgers take a little more work than simply buying ground beef and forming them into patties, but they are definitely worth it.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons steak sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 beef stock cube dissolved in 1/4 cup water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Form into four equal balls, then press them into patties. Grill over medium heat for 10-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Mediterranean Burgers
These hamburgers feature the flavors of feta cheese, olives, basil, and oregano. For an even more authentic taste, you can substitute ground lamb for the ground beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/8 cup black olives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, finely crumbled
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/4 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 beef stock cube dissolved in 1/4 cup water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Form into four equal balls, then press them into patties. Grill over medium heat for 10-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Potato, Cheese ‘n Mushroom Stuffed Burgers
This burger is a meal unto itself. If you’re hungry, a few of these will definitely fill you up.
Ingredients:
- 1 large potato, peeled and shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 eggs
- 2 packages (1 ounce each) dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Directions:
Preheat the grill to high. Combine the potato, cheese, and mushrooms in a medium bowl, mixing until thoroughly blended. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, and onion soup mix, mixing until evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into six balls, then press them into large burger patties. Create a pocket in each burger and stuff with the potato, cheese, and mushroom mixture. Seal the burgers. Just before cooking, brush them lightly with canola oil. Grill on high heat for five minutes on each side or until well done. Serve immediately.
The original question was a simple one—“How long do you grill hamburgers?” Honestly, it’s not rocket science. Along with considering taste, you’ll want to ensure that your hamburgers are grilled long enough to kill any bacteria that could lead to foodborne illness. Additionally, prior to grilling, check to ensure your grill grates are clean. Old hamburger residue can create an unhealthy situation when cooking ground beef. Enjoy your grilling experience with tasty, savory, and healthy burgers.
