How to Cook a Burger 4 Ways
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Nov 21, 2024
Nothing satisfies like a thick, juicy burger on a hearty bun stacked with your favorite toppings and melty cheese. Whether you prefer your burger medium-rare or well-done, there are several cooking methods that can be used to achieve your desired level of doneness. From grilling to pan-searing, each cooking technique has its unique advantages and can bring out different flavors and textures in your burger. In this article, we will explore four different methods to cook a burger, providing you with the tips and tricks you need to make burger perfection at home.
It’s time for basic Burger 101. There are 4 main ways to cook a burger and each one is going to give a you its own unique twist on the flavor.
How to Cook a Burger
Cook a perfect burger using four different cooking methods following these five basic steps. No matter which method you choose you will always start with the same first 3 steps.
- Start with your favorite Omaha Steaks burger
- Thaw burger
- Pat dry and season
- Cook burger (grill, pan-fry, broil, or air fry)
- Rest for 2-3 minutes and style
Step 1: Start with a Great Burger Patty
The best burger experience starts with the best beef. Omaha Steaks burgers are crafted from 100% Omaha Steaks aged beef providing unrivaled tenderness and flavor. The beef is formed into big patties with a homestyle texture for superior bun coverage and incredible juiciness with beefy flavor in each bite. Each burger is flash-frozen and individually sealed to bring you the most flavorful and convenient burgers you can find.
Steak lovers will relish the irresistible flavors of our exclusive PureGround® Burgers. These burgers are made entirely from a single cut of beef and aged for maximum flavor and unparalleled juiciness. Choose from filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, brisket, or porterhouse for a burger made entirely from a single cut of steak and only that steak cut in each patty. It’s like steak on a bun.
Step 2: Thaw Burgers
Thaw burgers overnight in the refrigerator. Or use the quick-thaw method: place vacuum-sealed burgers in a small bowl filled with cold water for 15-20 minutes until completely defrosted.
Step 3: Season Burgers
Pat thawed burgers dry with a paper towel. Then lightly oil and season both sides of the burger liberally, using approximately one teaspoon of seasoning per burger. Our preferred seasoning is Omaha Steaks Seasoning, with a perfect blend of garlic, onion, and savory spices. You can also season with your favorite dry rub or keep it simple with coarse sea salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cook Burgers
Grill
Grilling adds a signature smoky flavor to your burger and is easy to do. To grill a burger, clean and oil the grill grates, and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place seasoned burgers directly over the heat source. Grill thawed burgers for 5-6 minutes per side and frozen burgers for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Grill
Grilling adds a signature smoky flavor to your burger and is easy to do. To grill a burger, clean and oil the grill grates, and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place seasoned burgers directly over the heat source. Grill thawed burgers for 5-6 minutes per side and frozen burgers for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place seasoned burgers in the air fryer, leaving 1 inch between portions. Air fry our ultra-juicy 6 oz. Omaha Steaks Burgers for 10-12 minutes or until 5°F below your desired doneness, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place seasoned burgers in the air fryer, leaving 1 inch between portions. Air fry our ultra-juicy 6 oz. Omaha Steaks Burgers for 10-12 minutes or until 5°F below your desired doneness, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Pan-Fry
The key to pan-frying a perfect burger is to use a HOT skillet. Preheat your skillet with a small amount of cooking oil over medium heat. The pan is hot enough when the oil glistens and shimmers as you tilt the skillet to coat the pan’s surface. Add the burgers and pan-fry for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Pan-Fry
The key to pan-frying a perfect burger is to use a HOT skillet. Preheat your skillet with a small amount of cooking oil over medium heat. The pan is hot enough when the oil glistens and shimmers as you tilt the skillet to coat the pan’s surface. Add the burgers and pan-fry for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Broil
Broilers cook your burger using high, direct heat, like grilling, but indoors, and will provide a nice char on the outside with perfect doneness on the inside. Preheat your broiler to high and place the oven rack 3 inches from the broiler element. Broil burgers for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Broil
Broilers cook your burger using high, direct heat, like grilling, but indoors, and will provide a nice char on the outside with perfect doneness on the inside. Preheat your broiler to high and place the oven rack 3 inches from the broiler element. Broil burgers for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature is 5°F below your desired doneness.
Step 5: Rest 2-3 Minutes and Style Your Burger
Rest your cooked burger for 2-3 minutes before serving. Now it’s time to style the burger and create your delicious masterpiece.
Topping Ideas to “Style” Your Burger:
Create a DIY burger bar with your favorite toppings. Here are some easy ideas and recipes for burger toppings:
- Cheese pairings
- Zesty mushrooms
- Grilled peppers and onions
- Candied bacon
- Quick pickles
- Bourbon caramelized onions
- 4 burger sauce recipes
FAQs about Cooking Burgers
Can you Cook Frozen Burgers?
For best results, we recommend thawing your burger before cooking. Adding more cooking time, you can pan-fry, grill, or air fry frozen burgers.
How Do I Know When Burgers are Done?
Use a high-quality meat thermometer to monitor your burger’s internal temperature of your burger to achieve your desired doneness. The USDA recommends that ground beef be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. This will give you a well-done burger with no pink in the center. For medium-rare burger doneness, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, and for a medium burger, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Don’t forget the burgers will continue to cook when removed from heat, so remove them 5° before they reach your desired doneness.
When Should I Add Cheese to a Cheeseburger?
As a final cooking step, add a slice of cheese to each patty for the last 30-60 seconds of cooking time or until the cheese is melted.
What’s the Best Cheese for a Cheeseburger?
The traditional cheese for a ground beef burger is yellow American. With Omaha Steaks – America’s Original Butcher – you’re looking at way more than standard ground beef burgers. Our master butchers craft our burgers from real Omaha Steaks to create rich, unique, and irresistible flavors. With so many distinct burger flavors and textures, you can’t add just any cheese to make your cheeseburger. Instead, use our Ultimate Burger and Cheese Pairing Guide to select the best cheese to pair for your burger patty.
How Do I Make the Burger Keto or Paleo?
Simply skip the bun for a keto or paleo burger. Our all-beef gourmet burgers are naturally gluten-free and keto- and paleo-friendly, with only one ingredient: beef.
Try these Gourmet PureGround® Burger Recipes from Executive Chef David Rose
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