How Long Do You Cook Hamburgers on a Grill?

Introduction

It is a true American favorite treat to cook hamburgers on the grill on holidays, special occasions, or just whenever you have a hankering. But if you are inexperienced at grilling hamburgers, then you may be wondering:

o How long do you cook hamburgers on a grill?
o What temperature should you grill them?
o What should you season them with?

In this article you will learn the answer to these questions. Plus you will learn a variety of useful hamburger grilling tips.

Grilling Times & Temperature

The following table is a general guide and should not replace checking inner temperatures of the grilled hamburgers with a meat thermometer:

Patty Thickness: 1/2"; Grilling Time: 9 min; Grill Temperature: Low (Lid & Vent Closed)
Patty Thickness: 3/4"; Grilling Time: 13 min; Grill Temperature: Low (Lid & Vent Closed)
Patty Thickness: 1"; Grilling Time: 18 min; Grill Temperature: Low (Lid & Vent Closed)

Seasoning the Hamburgers

Some of the mix-ins frequently used by cooks across America include:

o Onion Soup Mix
o Butter & Minced Garlic
o Minced Onions & Garlic
o Cheddar Cheese & Chopped Bacon
o Equal Amount Of Pork Sausage
o Barbeque Sauce & Bacon
o Cheese & Jalapenos
o Diced Onions & Shredded Cheese
o Lemon Juice, Chopped Basil, Chives, Rosemary, & Thyme
o Teriyaki & Pineapple

Often mix-ins are left out and seasonings are liberally sprinkled on each side:

o Salt & Pepper
o Seasoned Salt & Lemon Pepper
o Cajun Seasoning
o Barbeque Seasoning
o Various Grill Seasonings (found in the seasoning isle in grocery stores)

Grilling Tips

o For best flavor, use freshly ground chuck (about 20% fat) or freshly ground round (about 11% fat).
o When making lean hamburgers (such as when using fresh ground round) mix in one egg for each pound of meat in order to prevent crumbling.
o The leaner the hamburger patties, the drier the hamburgers will be, and the more likely they will crumble while grilling.
o When forming the hamburger patties, be sure to press the middle thin or make a thumb-sized hole to keep uniform thickness while cooking.
o Make hamburger patties about 1/2" larger around than the hamburger buns you will be using as the hamburger patties will shrink.
o You may shape the hamburger patties by either using your hands or using a hamburger patty mold press.
o Pre-heat the grill on high temperature. After pre-heating the grill, clean and oil the grates.
o Brushing a little canola oil on the hamburger patty as well as on the grill will help keep the hamburger from sticking to the grill.
o Closing the lid and vents while cooking will reduce moisture-robbing flair-ups.
o Another way to avoid flair-ups is to place the hamburger patties in an aluminum pie tin. Place the hamburger patties so they do not overlap each other. Still turn the hamburger patties over about half way through cooking. Cook directly on the grill after they are 90% done.
o Turning the hamburger patties one quarter of a turn clockwise or counter-clockwise will create crisscross grill marks.
o Do not press the burgers on the grill as this will cause moisture to escape the burger.
o Flip the burger over only once, half way through cooking time, in order to preserve moisture.
o Never cut a hamburger on the grill so that the moisture stays inside the meat.
o When the juices start coming out of the top of the burger, then it is about medium.
o When the juices pool clear (not red) on top of the burger, then it is about medium-well.
o Use an instant read meat thermometer to determine if the hamburgers are done. 160 degrees Fahrenheit is medium. 170 degrees Fahrenheit is well done.
o Never place cooked meat back onto the same plate as was used for raw meat.
o Brush melted butter onto the hamburger buns and briefly toast them on the grill.

Summery

When you have a hankering for a hot, juicy hamburger, nothing beats a freshly grilled and tasty burger. Now you know the answers to: How long do you cook hamburgers on a grill? How hot should you set the grill to cook the hamburgers? What are some ways you can season the hamburgers? Enjoy!