Buzz
Grilling hamburgers is a classic American tradition, with every burger enthusiast holding a unique preference for how their burger should be cooked. Whether you like it medium-rare with cheese or prefer it well-done, figuring out the exact grilling time for each level of doneness can be challenging. To simplify the process, we consulted a meat expert who shared valuable insights to help you master grilling burgers to perfection.
Grilling Hamburgers to Achieve the Perfect Level of Doneness
Nathan Burk from ButcherBox recommends cooking your burgers between 8 and 11 minutes, adding an additional minute of cooking time per side for each preferred level of doneness. These times are based on a 6-ounce, half-inch thick burger.
Medium-Rare Burger
Medium-rare is the lowest recommended temperature for cooking a burger, aiming for an internal temperature of 125 to 130°F. According to Burk, "A good rule of thumb for a 6-ounce burger is to cook it for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare," resulting in a total grilling time of 8 minutes.
Medium
To achieve a medium burger with a slight pink interior, cook it for 4 minutes on the first side (just like medium-rare), then flip and grill for another 5 minutes on the second side, totaling 9 minutes. The target internal temperature for a medium burger is between 140 and 145°F, so check the temperature after 8 minutes to ensure you're on track.
Medium-Well
For a medium-well burger, which has almost no pink inside, grill for approximately 10 minutes, flipping once after 5 minutes. The goal is to reach an internal temperature between 150 and 155°F.
Perfectly Grilled
Well-done burgers might seem straightforward, but to avoid them drying out, make sure to take them off the grill before they hit 160°F. A 6-ounce burger needs at least 10 minutes of grilling and should rest a bit before being served on a bun.
Additional Tips for Grilling Ideal Burgers
Grilling a burger involves more than just timing. These tips are important no matter your preferred level of doneness.
Check with a Meat Thermometer
“An instant-read thermometer is the best way to measure doneness,” Burk advises. “If you don’t already own a reliable digital instant-read thermometer, it’s time to get one. You’ll never have to worry about overcooking your burger or steak again.”
"With a thermometer, you can cook with certainty every time," he asserts. "I even bring mine when I travel. Seriously. As a meat expert, you never know when you’ll have to cook up a perfect grill session."
One Flip is All You Need
When grilling burgers, Burk follows the philosophy of flipping only once. “Even though it might be tempting, the fewer flips, the more your burgers hold onto their juiciness and flavor,” he explains.
Preheat Your Grill
The grilling times recommended by our expert assume that your grill is pre-heated before you add the meat. This helps ensure that the burgers cook at a consistent temperature throughout the process.
Account for Residual Cooking
"Keep in mind that your burger will continue cooking even after you remove it from the grill," Burk advises, highlighting the phenomenon of residual cooking, also known as "carryover cooking." He suggests pulling the burger when it’s about 5 degrees below your target finish temperature.
Aim for Consistency
Cook times vary depending on the thickness, weight, and size of your burger. Before grilling a whole batch, it’s a good idea to test with one burger. If it turns out too charred on the outside but not cooked enough inside, consider reducing the heat. A burger with uniform thickness, about ½ inch, is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if someone prefers their burger rare?
A rare burger, which cooks to an internal temperature of 125°F (or lower) and takes less than 8 minutes, is never advised due to the increased risk of foodborne illness. According to FoodSafety.gov, it's recommended to cook all ground meats to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F to avoid harmful bacteria.
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What is the optimal grill temperature for burgers?
The ideal grill setting for burgers is medium-high, typically ranging from 400 to 450°F. If your grill doesn't have a temperature gauge, you can test it by holding your palm about 3 inches above the grill grate. If you need to pull your hand away after 2 to 4 seconds, it’s medium-high.
Learn More: How to Check the Temperature of Your Grill
