Grilling on the Fourth of July? Here's how to grill the perfect hamburger
The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the biggest days for firing up the grill.
So you have to ask yourself, are you prepared for the pressure of grilling the perfect burger at your gathering?
Are you beginning to think, should I leave the grill top open or closed? How often should I flip the burgers? Should I press them? What's the best temperature for the grill? Do I need to let the burgers rest?
It's almost enough to make you want to boil hot dogs or make hoagies. There's no reason to panic.
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How to grill the perfect hamburger
Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy the grilling experience.
According to the Food Network, there are some steps to take before you put the meat on the grill.
Burgers in the fridge: Keep the meat chilled. The warmer the temperature, the faster the fat starts to render, which can cause flare-ups while cooking and make the burgers dryer.
Think about golf: Put a divot in the center of your burger to help the patty keep its form.
Preheat and oil: Allow your grill to heat up. You want a medium-high temperature. Also, oil your grill grates to make sure your meat doesn't stick while you cook.
All right, the grill is heated and oiled and you have dimples in your burger, it's time to get them on the grill. Here are a few more tips.
Keep things open: According to the Canadian grill maker Napoleon, it's best to leave the grill open when cooking burgers. That way, the heat doesn't build up, it reduces the temperature around the meat and slows the cooking process.
Don't mess with your meat: Do not press the meat while grilling. This releases the juices and causes flare-ups leaving you with a dry burger. Also, flip it once and leave it alone.
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How long should you cook your burger?
It depends on how you want your burger done. the Food Network recommends the following times:
Medium rare: Cook for seven minutes until the internal temp hits 135 degrees.
Medium: Cook for eight minutes until the internal temp hits 145 degrees
Well done: Cook for nine minutes until the internal temp hits 150.
A final cooking tip, put the cheese on in the last minute so it melts.
Should you let your burgers rest?
Since you're not carving a hamburger, you don't have to let it rest. Get it off the grill and on a bun immediately. Add your fixings and enjoy.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to grill the perfect burger. Cooking preparation, grilling tips