Baking Or Broiling Burgers: Which Cooking Method Is Better?

There are many ways to cook a burger, but what is the best method? Frying or grilling can create a wonderful crust on the outside of the patty, sealing in the juices. However, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and less messy alternative, baking or broiling burgers in the oven can be just as tasty. Broiling provides high, direct heat that cooks burgers quickly and gives them a nice char. Broiled burgers are also easier to prepare than pan-fried burgers and are ideal for when it's too cold or too hot outside to barbecue.

Broiling burgers: the pros and cons

Broiling burgers is a convenient and tasty alternative to grilling or pan-frying. It's a quick and easy way to cook burgers, but are there any downsides? Here's a detailed look at the pros and cons of broiling burgers.

The Pros:

• Convenience: Broiling burgers in the oven is a convenient option, especially if you don't feel like dealing with the hassle of cleaning and prepping a grill. It's also a good choice when the weather is unfavourable for grilling, such as rainy days or extremely hot days.
• Quick and Easy: Broiling provides high, direct heat that cooks burgers quickly. It's a faster method compared to grilling or pan-frying, and it's easier than pan-frying.
• Juicy and Flavourful: Broiled burgers can still be juicy and packed with flavour. The direct heat helps seal in the juices, and the broiler gives the burgers a nice char, adding to the flavour.
• Less Mess: Broiling burgers can also be less messy compared to other cooking methods. By using a foil-lined baking sheet, you can minimise splatter and grease buildup in your oven.

The Cons:

• Lack of Smoky Flavour: While broiled burgers can be tasty, they may lack the distinctive smoky flavour that grilled burgers attain from the grill marks.
• Potential for Overcooking: Due to the high heat of the broiler, there is a risk of overcooking the burgers if you're not careful. It's important to keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't cook for too long.
• Less Browning: While broiled burgers can develop a nice char, they may not achieve the same level of browning as grilled or pan-fried burgers.
• Limited Batch Size: Broiling typically allows for cooking only a few burgers at a time, depending on the size of your broiler and baking sheet. If you're cooking for a large group, it might be a slower process compared to grilling.

In conclusion, broiling burgers is a convenient, quick, and easy option that can result in juicy and flavourful burgers. However, it may lack the smoky flavour of grilled burgers, and there is a potential for overcooking if not monitored carefully. Broiling is best suited for smaller batches and is an excellent choice when outdoor grilling is not feasible.

How to make burgers juicy

There are several ways to cook a burger, but if you're looking for a juicy burger, broiling is a great option. Broiling burgers gives them a nicely seared exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavourful. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect juicy burger:

Choose the Right Meat

Using freshly ground chuck is ideal, but you can also use vacuum-packed ground beef with a lean-to-fat ratio of 85/15. A leaner mixture will result in drier hamburgers.

Preheat Your Broiler

Before shaping your patties, preheat your broiler to high heat. This is an important step to ensure even cooking and proper searing.

Shape the Meat

Divide your meat into four equal portions, each weighing around 6 to 7 ounces. Form the patties wider than you'd like them to be, as they will shrink during cooking. The ideal patty should be about 4 to 5 inches wide and about half an inch thick.

Create a Dimple

Place the patties on a flat surface and use your fingers to gently press down on the centre of each patty, creating a small dimple. This technique helps keep the patties from bulging during cooking.

Season Generously

Add a generous amount of salt and pepper to your patties. You can also experiment with other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder, oregano, basil, or mustard powder. For a tangy kick, add some minced garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the mix, but be sure to sauté them first.

Prepare Your Cooking Pan

Use an oven-safe cooking pan, such as a broiler pan or a cast-iron skillet, and line it with foil or grease it lightly. If using a baking sheet, spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Position the Rack

Adjust your oven rack so that it is 2 to 3 inches below the broiler. This distance is crucial to ensure your burgers cook evenly and don't burn.

Broil the Burgers

Place the seasoned patties on the prepared pan and broil for about 3 minutes. Then, flip the burgers and broil for another 3 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the centre reaches your desired temperature. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).

Add Cheese (Optional)

If you like your burger with cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. This will melt the cheese without overcooking the burger.

Serve Immediately

Once your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, place them on fresh hamburger buns and add your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

The best way to season burgers

There are many ways to season burgers, and the best method depends on the type of patty and your personal preference. Here is a guide to help you season burgers like a pro!

Beef Burgers

Beef burgers are a classic choice and can be seasoned in various ways. The most important seasoning for a beef burger is a sprinkle of kosher salt, which will bring out the flavour of the meat and help it cook up juicy and delicious. Black pepper is also a welcome addition, and you can experiment with other seasonings like herbs, spices, and onions.

When seasoning beef burgers, you have two main options: seasoning before or after forming the patties. If you season before forming the patties, you can distribute the flavours throughout the meat and add mix-ins like minced onion or herbs. However, this method can dry out the burgers as salt tends to draw moisture out of the meat. It can also make the burgers tougher due to the extra handling and compacting of the meat. To counteract this, break the beef into smaller chunks and gently fold in the seasonings with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Seasoning the burgers after forming the patties is a simpler method. Gently form your patties from the ground beef and then sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings just before cooking. This keeps the beef loose, resulting in tender burgers. While this method is easier, it may not distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the burger, and it limits your creativity in terms of including fresh herbs or diced onions.

Bison Burgers

Bison burgers are sweet, lean, and flavourful, so they require minimal seasoning. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, along with a few spices, is usually enough to enhance the natural flavour of the meat.

Lamb Burgers

Ground lamb has a distinct gamey and earthy flavour that pairs well with spices, herbs, onions, garlic, and even lemon zest. Seasoning lamb burgers with a variety of seasonings can help elevate the flavour and create a unique and tasty burger.

Plant-Based Burgers

Store-bought plant-based burgers typically come pre-seasoned, so no additional seasoning is required. However, if you're making plant-based burgers from scratch, you can experiment with various seasonings to find your perfect blend.

Turkey Burgers

Ground turkey is lean and mild, so it benefits from seasonings mixed throughout the patty. You can also include binders like breadcrumbs or eggs to help hold the patty together. Gently fold in your chosen seasonings and ingredients to keep the mixture tender.

Salmon Burgers

Salmon burgers can be rich in flavour, so adding herbs and seasonings can help cut through the richness and create a more balanced burger. A binder like breadcrumbs is often added to salmon burgers as they can be delicate.

Burger Seasoning Ideas

• Sea salt and black pepper
• Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper
• Dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, or basil
• Granulated garlic
• Minced onion
• Spice blends like Cajun Spice Mix or Barbecue Dry Rub
• Worcestershire sauce
• Horseradish
• Mustard powder
• Brown sugar
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Lemon zest

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to experiment and find the flavours and combinations that you enjoy the most!

How to avoid overcooking

There are several things you can do to avoid overcooking burgers. Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of meat and ensure it's not too lean. Look for ground beef with a higher fat content, around 80% lean and 20% fat. The fat helps to keep the burgers moist and juicy as they cook.

Secondly, avoid overhandling the meat. Handle it as little as possible and use a light touch when forming the patties. Overhandling the meat can result in dense and tough burgers. Before grilling, chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

When cooking, avoid flipping the burgers too often. Let them cook for a few minutes on one side before flipping them once. This will help them develop a nice sear and hold together better.

To ensure your burgers are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. However, if you prefer your burgers medium-rare, an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) is recommended.

Finally, let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful burger.

What to serve with broiled burgers

Broiled burgers are a great option when you don't feel like firing up the grill or dealing with the hassle of outdoor cooking. They are quick and convenient and can be just as juicy and flavorful as their grilled counterparts. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your broiled burgers:

Classic Sides

If you're looking for some classic side dishes to accompany your burgers, consider the following:

• French fries or zucchini fries
• Potato chips
• Baked beans
• Scalloped potatoes and ham
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad

Salads

If you want something a little lighter or healthier, try serving your broiled burgers with a salad:

• Green bean and tomato salad
• Panzanella
• Strawberry salad with honey vinaigrette

Toppings

The beauty of burgers is that you can customize them with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Pickles
• Bacon
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Peppers
• Fried egg
• Cheese (cheddar, American, smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, provolone, smoked cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)
• Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, etc.)

Frequently asked questions