Burgers and hot dogs are classic staples of Labor Day and summer cookouts. If you’re planning to host friends and family for a backyard barbecue, having a simple yet delicious meal that can be prepared in large batches is a great way to keep everyone happy.
While it may be tempting to quickly toss the patties on the grill as guests arrive, proper cooking is essential to ensure food safety. Undercooked beef can contain harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. To avoid any risks, it’s important to cook your patties thoroughly.
Ready to fire up the grill? Here’s everything you need to know about grilling the perfect burger.
How Long Should You Grill Burgers?
No matter whether you’re using a charcoal, propane, or electric grill, the most important factor is reaching the correct internal temperature.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness. Using a digital meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness, but as a general guideline, standard beef patties take about 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side. Thicker patties will require additional cooking time.
For those who prefer varying levels of doneness, different internal temperature benchmarks can be used. Cooking meat below 160°F does carry a higher risk of bacteria, but allowing the burgers to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps redistribute their juices and reduces bacteria levels.
Here are the recommended internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:
-
Medium-rare: 135°F
-
Medium: 145°F
-
Medium-well: 155°F
-
Well-done: 160°F
Each level of doneness requires different cooking times. Based on expert recommendations, here’s how long you should cook your burgers:
-
Medium-rare: 6-7 minutes total
-
Medium: 7-8 minutes total
-
Medium-well: 9 minutes total
-
Well-done: 10 minutes total
Grilling Plant-Based Burgers
Meatless patties generally pose a lower risk of bacterial contamination than beef, but they should still be cooked thoroughly. Many plant-based burgers, such as those made with pea protein, need to be fully heated to improve digestibility and texture.
For most plant-based burger brands, the recommended cooking time is about 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat. Always check the packaging for specific instructions, as different brands may have unique cooking guidelines.
How to Light a Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grilling adds a rich, smoky flavor to burgers, but getting the coals ready requires proper technique. One of the easiest ways to light a charcoal grill is by using a chimney starter, which helps distribute heat evenly among the coals.
To use a chimney starter:
-
Fill the chimney with charcoal.
-
Place kindling, such as crumpled newspaper or old paper, underneath.
-
Light the kindling and set the chimney on top.
-
After 15-20 minutes, once the coals are covered in gray ash, pour them into the grill.
If you don’t have a chimney starter, an alternative method involves stacking charcoal briquettes into a pile, adding lighter fluid, and igniting the coals. However, it’s crucial to never squirt lighter fluid onto an active flame, as it can cause dangerous flare-ups. Once the coals turn gray, spread them evenly in the grill before cooking.
Final Tips for the Best Burgers
-
Don’t press down on patties while cooking – This squeezes out juices and dries out the burger.
-
Let the meat rest – Allowing burgers to sit for a few minutes after grilling helps redistribute juices for better flavor.
-
Toast the buns – Lightly toasting the buns on the grill enhances texture and adds a subtle crunch.
With these tips, you’re ready to serve up juicy, flavorful burgers that will impress your guests. Enjoy your Labor Day cookout!
