How to Make a Perfect Burger — Weekend Cookout

Related To:

How to Make a Perfect Burger

While burgers are one of summer's quintessential dishes and an ever-popular pick at backyard barbecues everywhere, cooking the ultimate between-the-bun creation takes patience and a bit of know-how. It's not enough to simply slap some meat into a patty, flop it on the grill and melt cheese on top, as doing so has likely led to sorry results at least once or twice — or more. The kind of meat you buy, plus how you form the patties and the way in which they're cooked all contribute to the overall taste and texture of the burger. Check out a few of Food Network's top tips below for crafting a perfect burger at home, then browse step-by-step snapshots to learn more about how it's done.

Fat Equals Flavor:

You may want to save the calorie-trimming for another meal, because making burgers isn't the time to skimp on fat in your ground beef. Opt for ground chuck blended with about 20 percent fat (this will likely be advertised in stores as an 80/20 mixture), and season it simply with just salt and pepper to allow the taste of the meat and char to shine through between the bun.

Flat-Top Rules:

How many times have you formed a seemingly flat beef patty only to have it dome up while cooking? Prevent those humps and turn out level burgers every time by pressing your finger into the center of one side of the raw patty before it's placed on the grill. That indent will account for the growth in height while cooking and ensure the final product is even.

Time to Flip
Flip Time:

If your burgers have a tendency to fall apart while cooking, it's likely because they've been scraped from the grill grates too early in the name of quick flipping. Meat will naturally unstick itself from the grill when it's ready to be flipped, so if you slide your spatula underneath a patty and are met with considerable resistance, give it a bit more time before attempting to flip it.

Main Dish: Bobby's Perfect Burger 

This summer, Food Network’s Grilling Central is packed with recipes for the entire family’s taste buds, boasting the best in burgers, dogs, chicken and more all season long. But with so many recipes, where do you start? Each weekend, FN Dish is giving you a complete fuss-free menu.

Next Up

This Is the Best Burger for Summer Grilling

You’ll be making these all season long!

Our Top 10 Recipes to Make All Summer Long

These tried-and-true fan favorites make any backyard barbecue sizzle.

Now, That's the Stuff: Stellar Stuffed Burgers

Instead of laying cheese and other toppings on top as an afterthought, surprise your fellow burger eaters by stuffing your next patties at the core.

Pitcher-Friendly Drinks for a Weekend Cookout

At your weekend cookout, avoid making individual drinks by mixing big-batch pitchers of Food Network's cocktails, like sangria, vodka sparklers and more.

These Easy Recipes Will Make Your Next Pool Party a Breeze

Everything will go just swimmingly with these creative ideas!

How to Perfectly Grill Your Favorite Cut of Steak

Get it just right, every single time.

A Wine-Soaked Kitchen Towel Is the Secret to Perfect Grilled Meat

The Colombian classic, Lomo al Trapo, is going to up your grilling game this summer.

How to Grill the Perfect Burger

Here are the tips you need for cooking the best possible burgers in your own backyard.

5 Food Safety Rules for Eating Outside During the Summer

Warmer months means spending more time outdoors. Here's what to know when you bring your meal outside.

Which Is Healthier: Turkey or Beef Burgers?

Beef burgers get a bad rap for being too high in fat, but turkey burgers can cook up dry and bland. Here's what to know about choosing the best burger.