Cook Up the Juiciest Burgers Ever with These 10 Tricks

There’s nothing worse than biting into a dry, flavorless burger. Grilling the perfect burger isn’t just about slapping some meat on the grill; it takes a bit of know-how. With these simple tips, you’ll be making juicy, delicious burgers that everyone will rave about.

Juicy bison burger.Photo byGina Matsoukas/Running to the Kitchen

Choose the Right Meat

Go for ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). More fat means more flavor and juiciness in your burgers.

Handle the Meat Gently

When forming patties, don’t overwork the meat. Being too rough can make the burgers dense and tough. Gentle hands make for tender, juicy burgers.

Make an Indentation

Press a small dent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and stops them from puffing up in the middle as they cook.

Burger patties on a plate.Photo byGina Matsoukas/Running to the Kitchen

Season Generously

Season with salt and pepper just before grilling. Doing it too early can draw out moisture, leaving your burgers dry. Seasoning right before keeps the juices locked in.

Keep the Grill Hot

Preheat your grill to high heat. A hot grill sears the outside of the burgers, creating a delicious crust and locking in the juices otherwise the burgers will stick to the grates and half the meat will end up stuck to the grill.

Avoid Pressing Down

Don’t press down on the burgers with a spatula while grilling. Pressing squeezes out the juices, which means dry burgers. Let them cook undisturbed.

Flipping burgers on a grill.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Flip Only Once

Flip the burgers just once. Flipping multiple times can cause the meat to break apart and lose its juices. Let them cook on one side, then flip and finish.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 145°F for medium or adjust to your likeness. This avoids the guesswork and keeps the burgers just right for your taste.

Rest the Burgers

Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes each bite juicier and more flavorful.

Add Toppings at the Right Time

Add cheese or other toppings during the last minute of grilling. This gives cheese enough time to melt perfectly without overcooking the burger.

This article first appeared on Running to the Kitchen.