Burgers are the favorites of many people, from kids to adults. If you want to stir excitement at a party, incorporate burgers. And you can only cook it deliciously when you have good flat top grills and an experienced chef.
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Why Cook a Burger On a Flat Top Grill?
Precise and Even Heating
One of the outstanding reasons for cooking a burger on a flat top grill is the even heating. A flat-top grill heats evenly and so it gives an all-round cooked burger that’s delicious. Moreover, the equipment allows you to set a precise heat level for the burgers.
Large Cooking Surface
The flat top grill offers a wide cooking surface. Thus when you want to prepare several burgers for a big family or party in less time, a flat top grill wins. You can place several patties on the flat top grill.
Delicious Crust on the Patties
Besides, cooking burgers on a flat top grill produces moisturized meat and burgers with a thin outer crust. And the crust introduces the unique crispy taste.
Locks in Juice and Seasonings
When cooking burgers on a flat top grill it locks the juices, seasonings, and moisture. It’s unlike a charcoal grill where the juices escape into the fire. In the end, the juices and seasoning infuse better in the burger to give it an enhanced taste.
What Are the Required Equipment to Cook a Burger On a Flat Top Grill?
You require the right pieces of equipment when cooking a burger on a top flat grill. That includes the following:
Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is an essential piece of equipment among the top tools you require. It helps you determine whether the burger is thoroughly cooked from the inside or not.
The thermometer helps you ensure that the internal temperature reads at 160 degrees. It takes out the guesswork on whether the burger is done or not. Similarly, it also helps when cooking steak on a flat top grill [how to cook steak on a flat top grill].
Spatula
It’s a great tool that aids you in smooth flipping of the burger during the cooking process. For excellent service, the spatula should have a solid surface and straight edge. The features make it easy to slide under the burger and ensures nothing seeps through the slots.
Hamburger Patty Press
The equipment ensures that you make the patty of the correct density. At the same time, it helps you make burgers faster and more uniform than when you do it manually. Also, it has spikes that poke into the hamburger and thus letting in heat into the burger.
Cutting Board
You can use the cutting board for resting the meat when making or assembling the patties. Though the board can be of different materials, most chefs find wood or silicone material ideal.
Pepper and Salt Grinder
A pepper and salt grinder allows you to make a burger with a unique flavor. A freshly ground pepper injects an enhanced taste into the hamburger. Besides, you can then adjust the grinder to produce just the grain size you want.
How To Cook a Burger On a Flat Top Grill?
Apply a light layer of oil on the flat cooking surface and follow the steps below:
Preheat the Flat Top Grill
Begin by preheating the flat top grill on the medium heat level, which should be about 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. That is until it starts to spit.
Slap On the Burgers
Next, slap on the burger patties and heat for about 3 minutes on one side. If it’s thicker, it may take slightly more minutes. Use the meat thermometer to know when it’s ready.
Flip the Burger
When one side is done, flip over the patties and heat the remaining side for the same duration as the previous side.
Remove From the Grill
When both sides have cooked through (depending on the doneness level you desire), remove from the top flat grill. Add the patties to your buns and enjoy the tasty burgers.
What Temperature Do You Cook a Burger On a Flat Top Grill?
The right temperature for cooking a burger on a flat top grill should be between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s almost the same temperature you use when preparing pancakes on a flat top grill[how to cook pancakes on a flat top grill].
So preheat the flat top grill to at least 350 degrees. Before placing your burger, test. A few drops of water on the flat grill should quickly sizzle and evaporate.
That heat level can effectively cook the burgers without the danger of burning. On the other hand, a heat level lower than 350 is inadequate for cooking thoroughly the meat.
How Long Does It Take To Cook a Burger On a Flat Top Grill?
The duration for cooking burgers on a flat top grill is dependent on the thickness of the burger. For example, if the burgers have the standard thickness you may need to heat each side for about 4 to 5 minutes.
At the same time, handmade burgers tend to be thicker. For that reason, you need to cook them a couple of minutes longer.
Also, it depends on the desired doneness level. Here is the approximate duration;
- Rare takes about 4 minutes
- Medium rare cooks for approximately 5 minutes
- Medium takes about 6 or 7 minutes
- Well done requires about 8 to 9 minutes
In all cases, during the cooking time regularly check on the burgers. When they register signs of burning, cut down the heat level.
Finally, before serving, double-check that they are thoroughly cooked. Besides the visual checkup, a meat thermometer is ideal.
How Do You Stop Burgers From Shrinking?
As you cook burgers, fat melts and hence shrinking. You can stop or minimize the shrinkage by refraining from squishing the burger during cooking.
Squashing the hamburger with a spatula only encourages more fat loss and shrinking. Instead, before cooking use your finger to make a hollow at the center of the hamburger.
Conclusion
A flat-top grill is a valuable piece of equipment when preparing delicious burgers for a wider group of people. Its size, flat surface, precision, and even heating are the outstanding features that adapt it for the task. You only need to be keen, have the right tools and exercise carefulness- it isn’t that difficult to cook burgers.