Summer Family Activities: Grilling the Best Burgers

Summertime means grilling time so fire up the grill and don your apron. But first, you'll want to take advantage of some tips for producing the best grilled burgers around. Here are some great grilling tips to help you be the star of your next get-together.

The Best Meat to Use


When it comes to what kind of meat produces the best grilled hamburgers, grill masters will tell you that the best meat for grilling is ground chuck. Some even take it a step further and say to mix your ground chuck with ground sirloin. They will also advise you not to skimp on the fat. For best results on the grill, opt for meat that contains at least 15% fat. If you want like your burgers well-done, you might even want to go with 20% fat. It's important to remember that the longer you cook your meat, the drier it becomes. High fat content will help keep your burgers moist and flavorful.


The Best Hamburger Patties


Forming patties that are the right size with the right seasoning is an important part of a great grilled burger. Start by popping your purchased meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make forming patties easier. Wet your hands and handle the meat as little as possible to avoid "bruising" the meat which makes it dense and dry. Form patties that are at least a half an inch thick. Thin patties have a tendency to burn quickly on the grill. Seasoning should be simple - just a little salt and pepper will suffice.


The Best Flavor
 
Many outdoor chefs use a gas grill, but many grill masters will contend that a simple, old-fashioned charcoal grill is a better option for flavorful burgers. And it doesn't take long to cook the perfect burger. All that's required is a smoking hot grill and 3 or 4 minutes per side. Whatever you do, don't squish the patties with your spatula. You will squeeze out all of the flavor. Lastly, don't forget to let your cooked patties rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Great grilled hamburgers start with ground chuck that is formed into thick patties and lightly seasoned. Throw them on the grill for a few minutes and you might just have the best burgers on the block.