How to Grill a Burger

Grilled burger with cheese, tomato and arugula on a bun.

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Here's how to grill a burger so it's juicy and flavorful. For a good balance of fat and flavor, opt for 85% lean ground chuck at the market.

Prep Time10

Cook Time9

Course: beef, dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 457kcal

Author: Kathy Kingsley

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. ground chuck, preferably 85% lean
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

Prepare a medium-hot gas or charcoal fire. When the grill is hot, clean the grill racks by rubbing them with a grill brush and a wadded up paper towel.
Put the ground meat in a medium bowl and add 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Mix gently and briefly to avoid overworking the meat. Shape the seasoned meat into 4 patties about 1-inch thick.
When the grill is hot, grill the burgers for 5 minutes on one side, and 4 minutes on the other for medium rare (see note below). Don't press down on the burgers as this will press out the juices.
Transfer the burgers to a plate and tent with foil, while you toast the buns cut-side down. Serve the burgers wtih one of the toppings.

Notes

Note: For medium burgers, cook for 5 minutes on each side. For medium-well burgers, cook 7 minutes on one side, and 5 on the other side. For well-done burgers, cook 7 minutes on each side.

Nutrition