Smoky, juicy, and flavorful – these are some of the things that make the perfect burger. Unfortunately, not every burger ends up being that way. That said, if you want to learn how to grill hamburgers on a charcoal grill, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share.
From using the best charcoal grill to executing the proper grilling techniques, pay attention to the tips we’ll talk about in this article.
How to Grill Hamburgers on a Charcoal Grill
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Grill Hamburgers on a Charcoal Grill
You don’t need to be an experienced chef to grill burgers like a pro.
Take note of the steps mentioned below and impress everyone with your delicious home-made burgers.
1. Prepare the Patty
Preparation of the meat is one of the most important for grilling the best burger. We recommend that you use ground chuck with 15 to 20% fat content.
The fat in your ground beef is important for its flavor. With enough fat content, you won’t also need a binder for the meat to stick.
When the meat is ready, prepare the patty by hand. Ideally, each patty should be six ounces. Also, try to make the patty larger than the bun since it will shrink when you are done grilling.
When making patties, create a dimple in the middle, which will ensure even grilling.
2. Prepare the Grill
Now that the patties are ready, it’s time to work on the grill. For authentic and tasty burgers, use only the best charcoal grill.
This can infuse a smoky flavor that makes the burgers more delicious. Before you start, make sure that the grill is cleaned and seasoned.
It is also important that you pre-heat the grill before putting the meat on the grate. Ideally, the temperature should be anywhere from 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you don’t have a thermometer, an easy way to check is to put your hand on the top of the grill. If you can hold your hand for about one second, it is hot enough.
3. Grill the Patties
Once the grill is hot enough, you can now arrange the burger patties on the grate. Leave space in between patties for even distribution of heat. Cook the burger based on the desired doneness.
For most people, one of the most difficult when grilling burgers is determining when it is already cooked.
This depends on several factors, such as the doneness. If you want it to be rare, cook for four minutes at a temperature of 125 degrees. For medium-rare, grill the patties for five minutes at 135 degrees.
Meanwhile, for medium, cook it for six to seven minutes at 145 degrees. Lastly, if you want your burger well-done, grill it for eight to nine minutes at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important that you flip the patty only once when grilling. Slip a spatula under the patty. If it sticks on the cooking grate, this means that it is not yet ready, flip it once the patty no longer sticks on the surface.
While grilling the patty, you should not press the meat. This is because by pressing the meat, you are getting rid of the juices. It drains down the grill, and hence, will make the burgers less flavorful.
4. Prepare Your Burger
Once the meat is cooked, it’s now time to get the burger ready. For some people, they like to toast their buns.
Others prefer to steam it. You can also add cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and other condiments that you wish.
If you are a purist, we suggest that you keep the burger as simple as possible and make the meat the main source of the flavor.
Conclusion
Grilling burgers is an art that you need to learn. It is not as easy as putting the patty on the grate and waiting until it is cooked.
From the way you prepare the patty to how often you flip it, pay attention to the steps and tips mentioned above to make mouthwatering and juicy burgers on your own.
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