Summary of How to Grill Burgers Perfectly Every Time, According to a Chef:
*Summary:
1. Meat quality matters – choose fresher meat from a local butcher for better taste.
2. Use 70/30 ground beef for a juicy and flavorful burger.
3. Ensure that the patty size matches the bun to prevent uneven cooking.
4. Make a thumb-size indent in the center of the patty to prevent it from puffing up.
5. Season with Kosher salt and pepper only after forming the patties.
6. Avoid smashing the burger while grilling to retain its juiciness.
7. Handle the meat minimally and flip it only once to maintain its tenderness.
8. Use a meat thermometer to cook the burger to the proper temperature and avoid foodborne illness.
Article:
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in the ultimate BBQ experience: burgers! However, grilling the perfect burger can sometimes feel like a daunting task. To help you master the technique and wow your guests with delicious burgers, we reached out to two experts who shared their top tips. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, these tips are guaranteed to elevate your burger game to new heights.
1. The Importance of Meat Quality
When it comes to burgers, the quality of the meat you choose matters. Amber Pankonin, a registered dietitian and certified executive chef, highlights the significance of selecting good meat. She suggests sourcing your meat from a local butcher to ensure freshness and traceability. If the meat is freshly ground, your burger will undoubtedly taste better.
2. The Perfect Meat-to-Fat Ratio
Laura Mason, a chef and creator of Love Chef Laura, emphasizes the importance of the meat-to-fat ratio in creating a delicious burger. She recommends using 70/30 ground beef, which contains 70% lean meat and 30% fat. This higher fat content contributes to a juicy and flavorful burger that will leave your taste buds craving more. If you can’t find 70/30 ground beef in your grocery store, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher for a custom order.
3. Matching Patty Size and Bun
To achieve burger perfection, it’s essential to ensure that the size of your patty matches the bun you intend to use. Pankonin advises considering the shrinkage that occurs during cooking. A patty that weighs between 6 to 8 ounces is ideal for a regular-sized bun. Investing in a scale will help you maintain uniformity in size and shape, resulting in even cooking.
4. The Thumb-Sized Indent Trick
Have you ever noticed your burgers puffing up in the middle when grilling? Prevent this and ensure that your burger stays flat and cooks evenly by making a thumb-sized indent in the center of each patty. Mason suggests gently pressing your thumb in the center without creating a hole. This simple trick will produce burgers that are visually appealing and satisfyingly juicy.
5. Keep It Simple with Seasonings
When it comes to seasoning your burgers, less is more. Pankonin advises against adding too many seasonings or ingredients, as it can turn your burger into meatloaf. Instead, stick to the basics and season your patties with a sprinkling of kosher salt and pepper. Reserve the seasoning for after you’ve formed the patties, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor.
6. No Smashing Allowed
While smashing burgers has gained popularity in recent years, Pankonin advises against it. Once you’ve chosen quality meat and formed the perfect patty, there’s no need to smash it while it’s on the grill. Smashing the burger can result in dryness and toughness. By resisting the urge to smash, you’ll retain the juiciness and tenderness that make a great burger.
7. Handle the Meat with Care
The art of grilling a perfect burger requires minimal handling. If you do choose to press or flatten the patty, do it early on to avoid disrupting the cooking process. Mason recommends flipping the burger only once and using a stainless steel spatula. This gentle approach will help maintain the burger’s tenderness and prevent it from drying out.
8. Cook to the Right Temperature
Food safety is of utmost importance when it comes to burgers. Mason stresses the significance of cooking burgers to the proper temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. Cutting into burgers to check for doneness leads to dryness and a crumbly mess. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to gauge the burger’s temperature accurately. Cook the burger to 155°F, then allow it to rest and reach the recommended temperature of 160°F for ground meats.
Grilling the perfect burger is an art that can be mastered with practice and the right techniques. By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to grilling burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. So fire up that grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy delicious burgers all summer long. Happy grilling!
