There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled burger. Imagine the combination of the sizzling patties, melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a bun that holds it all together—nothing can match it.

Today, we’ll guide you through the steps to create the perfect burger. It is easier than most people think, with far fewer ingredients and steps than most people think.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Start with Quality Meat

To create a burger that bursts with flavor, it all begins with selecting the right meat. Look for ground beef with a fat content of around 20%. This is often called “ground chuck”, and can be found at most butcher shops. The marbling of fat in ground chuck ensures moist patties, resulting in a more satisfying burger.

Can’t find ground chuck? Ground beef is okay too, but stay away from lean or extra lean ground beef when you can. It often costs more, and yields a dryer hamburger patty.

For a twist, you can experiment with other meats like bison, turkey, or lamb, depending on your preference. Remember that many of these other proteins have less fat content, which can result in a dryer burger patty.

PRO TIP: Add Bacon Fat

Increase the fat content of lean ground beef with bacon fat. For every one pound (0.454 kg) of ground beef, mix in about a half-cup (120 ml) of bacon grease. Bacon grease adds incredible flavour, but also some grease, so play around with the ratio of meat-to-grease until you find the right balance.

Step 2: Shape the Perfect Patty

Forming uniform patties is crucial for even cooking. Gently shape the meat into equal portions, using a light touch to avoid overworking the meat. Pat the seasoned meat into round patties, roughly 200 grams (6-8 ounces) each.

Remember not to compact the meat too tightly; a loosely formed patty ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

PRO TIP: Skip the Eggs and Breadcrumbs

Eggs and breadcrumbs are fine for meatballs, but we’re making burgers! You don’t need extra ingredients to hold the burger patties together so long as you are gentle when forming the patties and avoid flipping them too often once they’re on the grill.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Many people skip seasoning their burgers, which is a mistake! The importance of salt can’t be overstated. In fact, we had a whole blog post dedicated to it, called The Importance of Salt for Perfectly Grilled Meats. Salt will help amplify the flavour of the beef in a huge way.

And don’t forget black pepper, which adds incredible depth to the natural flavour of the beef.

Of course, there are many options for seasoning burgers beyond salt and pepper. We’ve packaged our family recipe, simply called The Burger Blend, combining the perfect balance of herbs and spices to add depth and complexity to your burger. Generously sprinkle “The Burger Blend” over the meat, ensuring each surface is evenly coated.

Remember, the goal is to handle the meat as little as possible to maintain its texture and juiciness.

Step 4: Preparing the Grill

Before preheating your grill, be sure to season it with oil. This prevents food from sticking to the grill grates. Rub peanut or canola oil onto the grill grates with a paper towel, or use spray-can oil. Make sure you wipe off any excess oil.

Now it is time to preheat the grill. Preheating the grill is essential for achieving those tantalizing grill marks and imparting a smoky flavor. The grill grates may smoke for a short time because of the oil used to season the grates – this is normal.

If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals in a two-zone fire, placing them on one side for direct heat and leaving the other side empty for indirect heat.

Gas grill users should preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Once the BBQ has been heated to 375 to 400 degrees F (175 to 205 degrees C) and the oil has stopped smoking, it is time to add the patties.

Step 5: Grilling Techniques

Grilling a burger to perfection requires a delicate balance of time, temperature, and flipping technique. Place the patties on the direct heat side of the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your preferred level of doneness.

Resist the urge to flip the patties too often, or to press down on the patties as this squeezes out the precious juices.

Step 6: Cheese and Toppings

Once the patties are almost done, it’s time to add the cheese. Place a slice of your favorite cheese on each patty, close the grill lid, and let it melt to gooey perfection. While the cheese is melting, prepare your toppings and condiments. Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, pickles, and flavorful sauces are classic choices, but feel free to get creative!

Step 7: Assembling and Serving

With the patties cooked to your desired level of doneness and the cheese beautifully melted, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Place the patties on fresh buns, stack them with your chosen toppings, and enjoy the sight of a perfectly crafted burger. Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad to complete the experience.

Becoming a master of BBQing the perfect burger takes practice, patience, and attention to detail. By following these steps and using The Burger Blend from The Zest Spice Company to coat your meat, you’ll elevate your burger game to new heights. So, fire up the grill, unleash your inner grill master, and prepare to savor the most delectable burgers you’ve ever experienced.

Happy grilling!