Maybe it’s a summer cookout or a casual dinner on a beautiful day, but grilling burgers is always a crowd-pleaser. But do you know how long you should grill them? Getting the timing right is crucial, especially if you’re a beginner. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria, so it’s essential to cook your patties thoroughly. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to grilling burgers and Beyond Meat. Let’s dive in!
The Perfect Timing: How Long Does It Take to Grill Burgers?
The key to achieving a perfectly grilled burger lies in reaching the right internal temperature. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, propane grill, or electric grill, the internal temperature is what matters most.
Here are the recommended internal temperatures for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125ºF
- Medium rare: 135ºF
- Medium: 145ºF
- Well-done: 160ºF
To ensure food safety, the USDA advises cooking all burgers to an internal temperature of 160ºF. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness, density of your patty, and grill temperature. If you want to be precise, a meat thermometer will come in handy in determining your burger’s doneness.
Here’s an estimate of how long it should take for each level of doneness:
- Rare: Around 4 minutes in total
- Medium rare: Approximately 5 minutes in total
- Medium: About 6 to 7 minutes in total
- Well-done: Around 8 to 9 minutes in total
Grilling Beyond Meat Products: A Delicious Alternative
If you prefer meatless options like Beyond Meat patties, you’re in luck! These plant-based patties are less likely to harbor harmful bacteria. However, it’s still crucial to cook them thoroughly to ensure proper digestion.
Once your Beyond Meat patty is thawed and placed on a preheated grill, cook one side until it’s brown and caramelized. Then, flip it and cook the other side. Beyond Meat recommends cooking each side for approximately four minutes.
How to Light a Charcoal Grill
If you prefer the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill, lighting it up properly is essential for a successful grilling session. Here’s a step-by-step guide to lighting a charcoal grill using a chimney:
- Fill the chimney with charcoal.
- Light some kindling and place the chimney on top of it. This can be crumpled newspaper or a few charcoal briquets squirted with lighter fluid.
- Pour out the chimney into the grill once the coals are covered in gray ash.
If you don’t have a chimney, here’s an alternative method presented by Kingsford:
- Pile up the charcoal briquets.
- Add lighter fluid and light the coals. Never squirt lighter fluid onto a flame.
- Spread out the coals when they are covered in gray ash and ready to use.
You can also use easy-light charcoal, which can be lit with matches for added convenience.
Remember, your grill is ready when you have a nice bed of hot coals to cook your burgers to perfection!
To explore more grilling tips, techniques, and delicious recipes, visit Ekilove. Happy grilling!
Read Next:
