Firing up the grill on a warm summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, is one of life’s simple pleasures. Setting down those plump and juicy patties and allowing them to sear to perfection before placing them on the bread buns makes your stomach rumble.
One of the most popular types of barbeque grills would have to be the gas grill, which, as the name suggests, is a gas-fueled grill. It is so widely used because it provides chefs with high heat and good temperature control, which allows them to make their food quickly without compromising the quality of the meal.
How can you make the best-tasting burger on gas grills? Achieving such a height may seem difficult, but it is quite easy. All you need to do is follow our directions and your culinary instincts to come out with a mouth-watering meal. So, without further ado, here are steps to cook burgers on a gas grill!
1. Pick your patty
When people hear the word “barbeque,” one of the first things that come to mind is a tender steak. While that is a great option for a patty to place in your burger, there are several other options, including non-vegetarian and vegetarian ones!
If you opt for the classic ground beef patty, look for one with around 80% lean meat and 20% fat content. This proves to be the best ratio for this meat as it bursts with juiciness.
On the other hand, other meats such as chicken, turkey, or pork are also delicious alternatives. They are especially beneficial if you watch your fat intake and prefer leaner meat. Just be careful to handle these to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
Looking for a vegetarian option? Plant-based patties are at your service. Look for plant-based patties made from ingredients like soy, mushrooms, or legumes, which mimic the texture and taste of traditional meat. With the correct cooking method and flavouring, you can trick yourself into thinking you’re eating actual meat!
2. Preparing your patties
Now that you’ve chosen your meat or plant-based substitute, it’s time to transform it into delectable patties that will make your taste buds sing!
First off, you should focus on shaping the patty correctly. This includes ensuring the proper uniformity and thickness. Divide your meat into equal portions according to your desired size and shape them into round discs. Perform this with a light touch, as you would want to avoid overworking the meat and making it lose its tenderness.
While the meat brings its deliciousness, you can take your patties to the next level by infusing them with flavorful additions. Mix in minced onions, garlic, fresh herbs, grated cheese, or barbecue sauce to enhance the taste!
But the main secret of any delectable patty? The seasoning. Seasoning is the holy grail of barbequing, making the meal unforgettable. Start by generously seasoning both sides of each patty with salt and pepper. You can season it even more by adding smoky spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, onion or garlic powder, and much more.
The last but crucial step in preparing your patties is to let them sit for a little while before grilling them up. This relaxes the meat, ensuring a tender and evenly cooked burger! Move on to step 3 while allowing the patties to rest.
3. Preheat the gas grill
Preheating the gas grills is another key step in ensuring the deliciousness of the burgers. Ignite the burners according to your grill’s instructions and set the stage for the perfect temperature. The usual ideal temperature range lies between 375-400ยบ F, permitting your patties to cook evenly.
Continue to close the grill lid, creating a controlled cooking environment. Allow this to heat up for 10-15 minutes while your patties rest.
4. Oil up the grill
Oiling up your grill is the perfect solution to avoiding a sticky situation! A little oil goes a long way to ensure your burgers effortlessly release from the grill grates. This layer will act as a protective barrier on the grill’s grates. Vegetables or canola oil are great options that do not interfere with the patty’s flavour.
Since the grill will be extremely hot and we want to avoid injuries, soak a folded paper towel in your chosen oil. Then, grab this using tongs and gently rub the towel against the grills. Cover every nook and cranny so that your patties are grilled evenly!
5. Grill, grill, grill!
Now comes the fun part! Grilling up those seasoned and flavourful patties.
Place the patties on the preheated grill grates, leaving enough space between them for even cooking. Close the lid to trap the heat and achieve that smoky flavour. One important tip: do not push down on your patties! Many people tend to do this, but it only leads to the juices being forced out of the meat and getting lost forever.
Let the patties cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side to be medium-done and around 5-6 minutes to be well-done.
As you approach the halfway mark of cooking time, it’s time to flip those patties! Then close the lid once more and let them cook till completed.
You should also place your bread buns on the grate for about a minute to let them achieve a golden-brown colour.
6. Assemble the burger
The last step to this beautiful journey is to assemble the burger. Get your buns, patties, condiments, cheese, veggies, and any other ingredients your heart desires and place them all on top.
The only thing left to do after this is to bite into your creation and savour every part of it!
