Burgers are a delicious and versatile meal that can be cooked to perfection with the right techniques. When making burgers at home, two of the most important factors to consider are cooking time and temperature. Properly cooking burgers ensures they are safe to eat while also achieving the ideal texture and doneness. This article will provide quick answers on how long to cook burgers and at what temperature to ensure juicy, flavorful results every time.
How long to cook burgers?
The exact cooking time for burgers depends on several factors:
- Thickness – Thicker burgers take longer to cook than thinner patties.
- Doneness – Rare burgers are cooked less than well-done burgers.
- Cooking method – Grilling, pan-frying, broiling all require different cook times.
- Burger type – Plant-based and turkey burgers cook faster than beef.
As a general guideline, these are average cooking times for burgers:
| Burger Thickness | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch thin patties | 2-4 minutes per side |
| 1/2 inch regular patties | 4-7 minutes per side |
| 3/4 inch thick patties | 8-12 minutes per side |
To ensure food safety, burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F as measured by a food thermometer. If unsure if a burger is fully cooked, cut into the center to check doneness.
Tips for cooking times
- Preheating – Allow grill or pan to fully preheat before cooking.
- Don’t press – Pressing burgers causes them to cook unevenly.
- Timer – Use a timer and flip halfway through cook time.
- Resting – Let burgers rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
What temperature to cook burgers?
The ideal cooking temperature for burgers depends on preferred doneness:
- Rare – 130°F internal temp
- Medium rare – 140°F
- Medium – 150-155°F
- Medium well – 160°F
- Well done – 170°F+
Here are recommended cooking temperatures for different burger doneness levels:
| Doneness | Cooking Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125-135°F |
| Medium Rare | 135-145°F |
| Medium | 150-160°F |
| Medium Well | 155-165°F |
| Well Done | 165°F+ |
For food safety, ground beef should reach 160°F minimum. Turkey and chicken burgers should reach 165°F.
Tips for cooking temperature
- Get a probe thermometer to monitor temp.
- Adjust heat to cook slower or faster.
- Pull off heat when 5°F below target temp.
- Let rest to allow carryover cooking.
Grilling Burgers
Grilling is a popular way to cook juicy, flavorful burgers during warmer months. Follow these tips for grilling burgers:
- Preheat grill to 400-450°F.
- Clean grates well and oil lightly.
- Form thin patties for quicker cooking.
- Grill burgers over direct high heat.
- Flip once halfway through cooking time.
- Don’t press burgers while cooking.
- Check temperature and pull off heat at 155°F.
- Let burgers rest 5 minutes before serving.
The intense heat of grilling can cook burgers in 6-12 minutes depending on thickness. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Grilling tips
- Avoid flare-ups by keeping grill clean.
- Move to cooler area if flare-ups occur.
- Close lid to ease flare-ups.
- Charcoal grills take longer to preheat.
- Gas grills heat up faster.
Pan-Frying Burgers
Pan-frying allows cooking burgers conveniently indoors. Use these pan-frying tips:
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Use olive oil or butter for greasing pan.
- Cook burgers 2-3 minutes until brown.
- Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheese during last 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from pan when internal temp reaches 155°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pan-frying typically takes 8-12 minutes for 1/2 inch thick burgers. Thinner burgers may cook faster in 4-6 minutes.
Pan-frying tips
- Cast iron or steel pans work best.
- Don’t overcrowd pan while cooking.
- Use spatula for gentle flipping.
- Pour off excess grease as needed.
- Cook over medium heat if pan is very hot.
Broiling Burgers
Broiling uses direct overhead high heat to caramelize burgers. Follow these steps for broiled burgers:
- Preheat broiler to high.
- Place burgers on broiler pan or sheet.
- Broil 3-4 inches from heat, flipping once.
- Cook to desired doneness, testing temperature.
- Allow burgers to rest before serving.
Broiling time varies based on burger thickness – usually between 6-12 minutes total. Watch burgers closely to avoid burning.
Broiling tips
- Broil with oven door slightly ajar if needed.
- Use tongs or spatula for easy flipping.
- Add cheese the last 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Adjust oven rack height as needed.
- If smoking occurs, lower heat or move rack down.
Baking Burgers
For an easy burger cooking method, baking works well. Follow these baking burger tips:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place burgers on baking sheet or dish.
- Bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check temperature and bake until 155°F.
- Optional to add cheese last few minutes.
- Let burgers rest before serving.
Baking takes more time than grilling or pan-frying, usually 20-30 minutes depending on thickness.
Baking tips
- Use parchment paper or foil to line pan.
- Space burgers apart to allow airflow.
- Avoid overcrowding pan.
- Add desired seasonings or toppings.
- Use convection setting for faster baking if available.
Conclusion
Cooking burgers properly results in a tender, juicy interior while searing the outside to lock in flavor. Allowing enough time and using the right temperature for desired doneness is key.
For medium doneness, cook most burgers 8-12 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 155°F. Thinner patties may take less time while thicker burgers need more time. Preheating the cooking surface like a grill or pan is also essential.
Getting an instant-read thermometer helps remove the guesswork and ensures burgers reach food-safe temperatures. Letting burgers rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute evenly.
With the right techniques, it’s easy to make mouthwatering burgers at home. Experiment with different cooking methods like grilling, pan-frying, broiling or baking to find your favorites.