I’ve always been a huge fan of Beyond Meat, and their burgers are hands down my favorite product. Having cooked hundreds of these delectable patties in various ways, I’m excited to share my experiences and insights with you. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best methods to cook Beyond Burgers, whether you prefer using a grill, stovetop, or oven.
The Best Way to Cook Beyond Meat Burgers
Let’s kick off with the three most viable cooking methods for Beyond Meat burgers:
- On a Skillet
- On a Grill
- In an Oven
Unfortunately, microwaving falls short, and air frying, while passable, isn’t the best option either. For an enhanced taste experience, regardless of your chosen method, I highly recommend seasoning your patties with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Mastering the Skillet or Grill
Cooking Beyond Burgers on a grill or skillet yields fantastic results, and the techniques for both are virtually identical:
- Preheat your grill or stove-top pan to medium-high heat.
- Place your patties on the cooking surface and season them if you haven’t already.
- Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes (6 minutes if cooking from frozen).
- If you’re adding cheese (vegan or otherwise), do so after flipping the first side.
- Continue cooking if needed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
No additional oil is necessary since the burgers already have a high fat content that will naturally seep out during cooking.
Conquering the Oven
While not quite on par with grilling or pan-searing, cooking Beyond Burgers in the oven can still yield great results. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place your Beyond Burgers on a cooking tray without adding any oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F), flipping them halfway to two-thirds of the way through.
This method is perfect for cooking a large batch of patties at once, particularly when your stovetop is busy.
If you’re cooking the patties from a frozen state, stick to the upper range of the cooking time (i.e., 15 minutes).
To Thaw or Not to Thaw?
Ideally, it’s recommended to thaw Beyond Burgers in the fridge for at least 12 hours (they can remain refrigerated for up to 10 days). However, if you’re short on time, you can cook them directly from frozen. In this case, you’ll need to extend the cooking time slightly. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen may result in very well-done sides, as the center takes longer to cook.
Perfecting the Frozen Beyond Burger
When cooking a frozen Beyond Burger on a grill or skillet, add approximately 2 minutes to the cooking time on each side. If you find the centers too undercooked, using slightly lower heat can help achieve more even cooking.
Overcooking and Undercooking
It’s incredibly difficult to overcook Beyond Burgers to the point where they don’t taste good. In fact, I personally enjoy them well-done, and they still turn out delicious. However, personal preferences may differ, so feel free to experiment with cooking times to find your perfect level of doneness.
Technically, Beyond Burgers can be eaten raw without major risks, though I wouldn’t recommend it. Aim to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep in mind that even when fully cooked, the patties may still appear slightly pink on the inside. Don’t worry, though; this is perfectly normal and safe to consume.
Addressing Food Safety
Food poisoning from Beyond Burgers is possible if they are expired, stored improperly, or contaminated. Symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting may occur in such cases. However, it’s worth noting that the likelihood of getting food poisoning from Beyond Burgers is lower compared to traditional beef burgers.
Exploring Air Fryer Options
While Beyond Meat advises against frying or microwaving their burgers, air frying can be an acceptable alternative, although it’s not optimal. If you decide to air fry your patties, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook each side for 4 minutes.
For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
