Burgers seem like a no-brainer for summer picnics and barbecues, but burgers are actually... kinda easy to mess up. They can be overcooked, underdone, or straight-up dry if the grill master doesn't pay attention. Here are the three secrets to perfect patties every time.
1. Flex your thumbprint.
Nope, it's not an old wives tale that making an indent into your burger patty with your thumb is important. Don't skip this step! As the meat cooks, the patty shrinks, so this will help it keep its shape and ensure even cooking.
2. Get your grill HOT.
You don't want your burger patties to touch the grill until the grates are smokin' hot. Heat your grill to high and bust out the oil—you'll need it for your brushing the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Time each side.
After you've successfully cooked a lot of juicy burgers, you'll be able to tell when a patty is ready by feel. But until then, don't be ashamed to time each side. For medium-rare burgers that are about an inch thick, you'll need to cook for 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°-135°. We try not to judge people that prefer their burgers well done, but we seriously discourage a cook time of 7+ minutes per side.
Follow Delish on Instagram.
