How to BBQ Burgers on a Gas Grill – A Comprehensive Guide

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a juicy, perfectly cooked burger hot off the grill. And if you have a gas grill at home, you’re in luck – grilling burgers on a gas grill is an easy and efficient way to cook up a delicious meal for your family and friends.

So how do you cook BBQ burgers on a gas grill? The process is fairly straightforward — you’ll just be forming your patties, pre-heating your grill to medium/high heat, and cooking the burgers from 3-5 minutes per side until they are at a safe temperature to eat.

Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to go about each of these steps.

That’s why we are sharing a comprehensive guide on how to BBQ burgers on a gas grill, including tips on selecting the right meat, prepping the grill, and cooking to perfection.

We’ll also share some recipes, tips, and FAQs that will have you master cooking BBQ burgers on a gas grill in no time.

Selecting the Right Meat

One of the keys to grilling up delicious burgers is selecting the right meat. You can use a variety of meats for burgers, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and even vegetables.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting your meat:

• Fat content: The fat content of your meat will affect the flavor and juiciness of your burger. A higher fat content will result in a juicier burger, but keep in mind that it will also shrink more as it cooks. A leaner meat will be less juicy but will retain its shape better. A good balance is to use meat that is about 80% lean and 20% fat.
• The grind: The grind of your meat refers to the size of the particles. A finer grind will result in a more compact burger, while a coarser grind will be more crumbly. Choose a grind that suits your personal preference.
• Mix-ins: You can also add mix-ins to your meat to add flavor and nutrition. Some popular mix-ins include diced onions, minced garlic, grated cheese, and chopped herbs. Just be sure not to overmix the meat, as this can result in a dense, tough burger. Aim for about 2-3 mix-ins per pound of meat.

Selecting the right meat will be a big factor in the overall flavor and juiciness of the finished burger. My advice is to always use fresh, high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.

Chill Your Meat Mixture Well

If the ground beef mixture is very soft or sticky, chilling it for a short time in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle. Just be sure to let the meat warm slightly before cooking it, as cooking cold meat can lead to uneven cooking and a less tender final product.

Forming the Patties

Once the grill is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to form the patties. Here are a few tips for making the perfect burger patties:

• Use a scale: To ensure that all of your patties are the same size, it’s helpful to use a kitchen scale to measure out the meat. A good rule of thumb is to aim for patties that are about 1/3 to 1/2 pounds each. Shoot for about 1/2 inch in thickness. Form the patties into round, flat disks that are about an inch larger than the bun. This will help the burgers cook evenly and fit the bun properly after they shrink during grilling.
• Make a divot: To prevent the burgers from puffing up as they cook, make a small divot in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help them cook evenly and stay flat.
• Handle the meat gently: Be sure not to overhandle the meat when forming the patties. This can cause the burgers to become tough and dense. Gently shape the meat into patties and then use the back of a spoon or a burger press to smooth out the edges.

You don’t want to squeeze the meat too tightly when forming the patties. Leaving some air pockets will produce better-tasting burgers.

Seasoning the Patties

Once the patties are formed, it’s time to season them. Season the burgers generously just before grilling. You can use any type of seasoning that you like, but a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and possibly garlic powder is usually enough. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, onion powder, or smoked paprika are other great options to add. Be sure to season both sides of the patties before grilling.

Prep the Toppings

Before cooking the patties, prepare any toppings that you would like to add to your burgers. This can include sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.

Cooking the Burgers

When the grill is hot and the patties are seasoned, it’s time to place them on the grill.

• Arrange the burgers: Now it’s time to place your burgers on the grill. Make sure to leave enough space between each patty to allow for even cooking. They should be evenly spaced and not touching. Close the lid of the grill and allow the patties to cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re seared.
• Flip the burgers: How long does it take to BBQ burgers on a gas grill? After 3-5 minutes, use a thin-edged spatula to carefully flip the burgers. Close the lid of the grill and allow the patties to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the burgers reach your desired level of doneness. If you like your burgers well done, you may need to cook them for a little longer. Just keep flipping every minute or two until they are ready. Hot Tip: If the outside is done faster than the inside, move the burgers to the indirect heat side until finished.
• Add the cheese (optional): If you want to add cheese to your burgers, now is the time to do it. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and close the grill lid for an additional minute or two to allow the cheese to melt.
• Toast the buns (optional): If you want to toast the buns, place them on the grill for a minute or two until they are lightly charred and crispy.

Hot Safety Tip: Burgers should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Remove the Burgers From the Grill

Once the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger and helps to prevent it from being dry.

Assembling the Burgers

Once the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to assemble the burgers. Place a burger patty on the bottom bun and top it with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, and condiments. Place the top half of the bun on top of the toppings and press down gently to secure everything in place.

Serve and Enjoy

Your burgers are now ready to serve! You can serve them with a side of fries, chips, or any other type of side dish that you like. Enjoy your delicious barbecued burgers while they’re still hot!

Tips & Tricks for Grilling the Perfect Burger on a Gas Grill

Grilling the perfect burger can be a bit of an art, but it’s a skill that can be easily mastered with a few tips and tricks. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Start with good-quality meat. Look for ground beef that is at least 80% lean, as this will give you a juicy burger without too much excess fat.
• Shape the patties gently. Handling the meat too much can make the burgers tough, so be gentle when forming the patties. Aim for patties that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.
• Make a small indentation in the center of the patty. This will help the burger cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up on the grill.
• If you’re using a thicker patty, consider using a burger press to create an even thickness. This helps to ensure that the burger cooks evenly.
• Always preheat the grill first. A hot grill will give you nice grill marks and help cook the burgers evenly throughout.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to your burgers, try brushing the patties with some minced garlic, diced onions, or your favorite herbs before grilling.
• For an even more flavorful burger, try brushing the patties with a mixture of equal parts Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce before grilling.
• If you’re worried about your burgers sticking to the grill, try brushing the grates with a little bit of cooking oil, such as canola, avocado, or grapeseed oil.
• Avoid pressing down on the burgers with your spatula while they are cooking. This will cause the juices to escape, resulting in dry, overcooked burgers.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Burgers should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that they are safe to eat.
• Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for a juicier burger and becoming more tender.
• Always have a safe zone in case of flare-ups. Set your grill up for 2-zone cooking so you can move your burgers to the indirect side in case they are cooking too fast on the outside.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to grilling the perfect burger. Happy grilling!

Barbecuing Burgers on a Gas Grill FAQs

Can I Add Cheese to My Burgers While They Are Grilling? | Can I Grill Frozen Burgers on a Gas Grill? | Should You Oil Burgers Before Grilling? | Should Burgers Sit Out Before Grilling? | Why Put an Ice Cube on a Burger?

Still have some questions about cooking delicious BBQ burgers at home with your gas grill? Read on for the answers to those most commonly asked!

Final Thoughts on Our How to BBQ Burgers on a Gas Grill Guide

And that’s a wrap on our guide on how to BBQ burgers on a gas grill! We hope this guide has given you all of the know-how you need to amp up your gas grill burger game and cook up some delicious hamburgers of your own.

The key takeaway here? Use quality ground beef with an 80/20 fat mixture. Without that extra fat, your burgers won’t get that signature flavor and juiciness. And remember, there’s plenty of room for experimentation with different types of seasonings, toppings, and even flavored liquids for ice cubes.

Happy BBQing, and enjoy putting these new skills to use crafting your own BBQ burgers on your gas grill!

Cheers,

Pat G.

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