The smell of summer is the grill heating up.
There’s just something about grilling steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs over an open flame outside that screams SUMMER!
During this quarantine situation, I’ve been working on my grilling skills. The weather has been perfect and I’ve loved figuring out how to regulate the heat, make sure the meat is cooked, and get my grill on! Grilling was something I was intimidated by before but I’m totally inspired now! I’m loving it and I can’t wait to put some more foods on the grill!
If you’re like me and aren’t sure where to begin with grilling, here’s a few tips to get you started.
Should I use a charcoal or gas grill?
Charcoal Grills
- Don’t flare up like gas grills
- Burns hotter
- Generally more portable, so if you plan on traveling with your grill, you might want to go this route
- Can leave places on the sides of the grill without briquettes for cooking at cooler temperatures
- Provides a great smokey flavor
Gas Grills
- Easy to start up
- Cheaper to use
- Easier to clean
- Can hook it up to the gas in your home, so you never have to buy a tank
- Gas grills create steam when cooking, so it can make your food more moist
How do you know the grill is at the right temperature?
If it’s a gas grill, they usually have a thermometer right there on the lid of the grill. One important note is that as soon as you open the lid of the pit, it’s going to start dropping in temperature. So think of it sort of like an oven – put the food on the grill and then close the lid. Limit the amount of time the lid is open and you’re going to be able to keep the most amount of heat in your grill.
How do you know when your meat is done?
Knowing when your meat is done and safe to eat is one of the hardest things to accomplish on the grill (I think at least). With the help of a meat thermometer and this handy chart below, you should be good to go! Just insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat and let sit there for a few seconds. Always rest your meat after getting off the grill as well because it will help keep the juices and moisture in your grilled meats.
If you’re still hesitant to start grilling, I want to encourage you to just do it! And if you need the easiest, best burger recipe, you just have to try this one!
The Best Homemade Burger Recipe Ever!
The Best Homemade Burger Recipe Ever!
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder/dried onion
- olive oil
Buns
- 4 Hawaiian hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat your grill to 375°. Combine all ingredients.
- To ensure equal burger patty sizes, score the meat into equal parts. Once equally divided, form the patties into burgers, with the inside being slightly thinner than the outside edges.
- Once the patties are formed, brush them with oil and place them on the grill.
- Allow the burgers to cook 5-7 minutes, then flip them over and cook another 5-7 minutes or until it reaches the desired doneness. (If you want to add cheese, put a slice on a patty while it's still on the grill so it melts well)
- While the burgers are cooking, combine the butter and garlic powder. Brush the mixture on the inside of the hamburger buns. Toast the buns slightly.
- When the burgers are done cooking, put the patty on a bun and top it however you like!
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Products Used
