Grilled Burger: 9 tips for preparing it on the BBQ

Hamburgers are among the most popular and well-received meat preparations in the world. Their practicality in preparation and structure suitable for receiving the complements that best please the tastes of those who consume them are invitations to a delicious meal.

But despite the good results obtained on griddles and frying pans, nothing compares to preparing a good burger over coals: the unmistakable smoky flavor is the perfect complement for the perfect snack!

In this complete CIMO guide, we will explore the best techniques and tips to ensure that your burgers are among the best barbecue meat options and an absolute success! From choosing the meat blend and accompanying ingredients to the tricks for getting that perfect crust on the grill, you'll be prepared to impress your guests and become the master of the charcoal burger.

Enjoy your reading!

1. Master the meat blend

There's no secret: no matter how good the other ingredients are or how careful you are in preparing it, it's impossible to make a burger over coals, on a griddle, or anywhere else without a quality blend—a mixture of meats.

But don't worry, the secret isn't in spending a lot, relying only on expensive cuts for its preparation. One of the main secrets to a good burger lies in the right balance between meat and fat, a point perfectly achievable by choosing simple and accessible cuts. It's worth noting that this special attention to the mixture has a direct impact on the flavor, structure, texture, and juiciness of the meat. So, go all out!

Burger blend tips for cooking over coals

The most traditional blends contain between 70% and 80% lean meat, such as sirloin tip, bottom round, flank steak, or the popular top sirloin. The rest is made up of pieces with more fat, such as bottom sirloin. A very classic American blend is chuck brisket, made from equal parts (50/50) of brisket and chuck.

Finally, in recent years, the use of bacon as the fattiest portion of the blend has gained traction, as it can bring a distinct smoky flavor special to your burger!

2. Choose quality ingredients

Although the meat is the star of the show, it's important to also be careful and attentive when choosing the other components of the meal, such as the bun, cheese, sauces, fresh salad, and other accompaniments.

This more qualified choice should be made to enhance all the effort put into preparing the burger over coals, ensuring that the result is visually appealing and even better on the palate!

3. Season wisely

It's true that a well-made classic can't go wrong. Applying salt just before the meat goes on the grill—an important step to prevent loss of juiciness—is enough to enhance the flavor of the charcoal burger, but the fact is that you can, without exaggeration, explore even more flavors to enhance your meal.

Among the critically acclaimed seasonings that traditionally pair well with meats are: paprikas—sweet and smoked—garlic, onion, and even smoked powder, as well as fresh herbs to bring freshness to the burger and even popular dry rubs.

But remember to always keep in mind the other flavors that will accompany your blend, being careful not to overdo it and disturb the harmony of the snack.

4. Form the burgers uniformly

Maintain a consistent standard for both measurements and the technique used in forming the burgers. Preferably use a scale to mold the burgers with the same weight to ensure equal portions—and thus use the same amount of seasoning and cooking time for all.

Another accessory that can help a lot are rings, which can assist in shaping and standardizing. But, ultimately, it's possible to maintain regularity even when making burgers by hand.

Furthermore, avoid over-compacting the meat to maintain the moisture of the molded piece and provide a more pleasant texture when cooked. Also, pay attention to the weight of the burger on the grill, which should be between 80g and, at most, 200g. Finally, after gently molding them to the desired size, create a slight depression in the center to prevent them from swelling during cooking.

5. Preheat the grill

Placing the burger on the grill with the grill already preheated is essential to achieve the famous Maillard effect — that classic crust that combines great flavor and also seals the meat juices to keep it moist. Therefore, just as with traditional barbecues, make sure the coals are already at the right point to receive the burger and cook it quickly.

A medium-high temperature is ideal to ensure a good sear and prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, being the ideal heat to control the doneness of each burger to the customer's liking.

Using averages for burgers weighing between 100g and 80g, it is recommended that they cook:

• 2 and a half minutes per side for rare meat;

• 3 and a half minutes for medium;

• 4 and a half minutes for well-done meat.

Take the opportunity to check out how to light your grill and have full control of the flames!

6. Pay attention to grill cleanliness

This measure is not only recommended to ensure proper contact of the meat with the structure—helping to prevent the burgers from sticking and guaranteeing that beautiful characteristic marked pattern—but also a matter of hygiene and safety for those who will consume the meat.

Use detergent, running water, brushes, and sponges specifically designed to clean the grill efficiently. An extra tip is to use half a lemon on the hot grill to rub it over the metal. The acid from the lemon is an excellent solution for removing those larger crusts accumulated from other barbecues.

7. Patience and care when grilling the burger

When placing the burgers on the grill, avoid constantly moving them, as it's important for the crust to caramelize completely before you flip the meat. If you've done everything right so far to prepare the meat, grill, and fire, trust the process!

Moving the meat too early prevents complete and even searing, affecting not only the appearance but also the structure and juiciness when assembling a beautiful burger. Let them cook for a few minutes on each side, flipping only once, to ensure a uniform crust and internal juiciness after the recommended time.

8. Check for doneness

We've already given you a good idea of grilling time for regular-sized portions, but the fact is that the ideal doneness time varies according to the meat's measurements and its proportions of fibers and fats.

The idea is that by maintaining a standard blend, grill lighting, burger molding, and grilling time, you can achieve the desired doneness in your preparations.

If you want to speed up the process and be even more precise, you can use, for example, thermometers to check the cooking point. Use a meat thermometer or perform the touch test. If you don't have access to the equipment, you can get an idea of the doneness by touching the piece: a rare burger will have a soft texture, while a more cooked burger will be firmer to the touch.

9. Assemble as you like!

With everything ready and the meat perfectly cooked, it's time to unleash your creativity in assembling the burgers! Add melted cheese of your choice, crispy bacon slices, fresh lettuce leaves and tomato slices, as well as delicious sauces to create tasty combinations. Also explore the use of pickles, caramelized onions, and even pepper and pineapple jellies that combine sweet and savory flavors!

Now you are more than prepared to master the art of charcoal grilling, surprising your friends and family at the next barbecue. Always remember to choose quality ingredients, season wisely, and pay attention to the details during the preparation process before and after the meat goes on the grill to make your charcoal burger.

Continue on Mundo CIMO to also check out the 5 essential items you can't do without for a complete barbecue. From important items for caring for meats and other foods to interesting accompaniment alternatives. Everything you need to know is here!