There are few foods quite as quintessentially American as the hamburger. Whether you like them piled high with toppings or prefer it with just the basics, burgers are a go-to meal choice for people of all ages.

One thing that can make or break a burger, however, is the way it’s prepared. Specifically, achieving the perfect char on the outside while still keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. In this article, we’ll talk about the secrets to perfectly charred burgers that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Choosing the Right Meat

Not all hamburger meat is created equal. For a perfectly charred burger, you want to use meat with a higher fat content.

This may seem counterintuitive if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, but the fat adds flavor and texture to the meat which can make all the difference in the world when it comes to achieving that perfect char. The ideal fat content is around 20-30 percent, so look for ground beef labeled “ground chuck” or “ground beef chuck.”.

Shape and Size Matter

When shaping your burger patties, it’s important to do so evenly without overhandling the meat. Divide your meat into equal portions and lightly form them into patties that are slightly larger than the buns you’ll be using.

The reason for the larger size is that the patties will shrink slightly as they cook, so starting with a slightly larger patty ensures you’ll end up with the perfect size for your bun.

Preheat Your Grill

Before you even start cooking your burgers, it’s crucial to preheat your grill to a high temperature. This allows the grill grates to get nice and hot, which is the key to achieving a beautifully charred exterior.

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, make sure to let it preheat for at least 15 minutes before starting to cook.

Seasoning Your Burgers

When it comes to seasoning your burgers, less is often more. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides of the patty is all you really need.

Don’t be tempted to overdo it on the salt, as this can actually draw the moisture out of the meat and make it more difficult to achieve that juicy burger you’re after.

Cooking Your Burgers to Perfection

When it comes to cooking your burgers, the key is to resist the urge to mess with them too much. Once you’ve placed them on the grill, leave them alone for at least 3-4 minutes before flipping. This allows the meat to sear and brown properly.

When it is time to flip, do so gently with a spatula. Try to flip your burgers only once to avoid overhandling the meat. Once you’ve flipped, let them cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side before removing them from the grill.

Let Them Rest

Once you’ve removed your burgers from the grill, resist the urge to dig in right away. It’s important to let them rest for at least a few minutes before serving.

This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful, tender burger.

Topping Your Perfectly Charred Burgers

Your perfectly charred burgers are delicious all on their own, but if you’re looking to take them to the next level, topping options are endless.

From traditional toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato to more gourmet options like caramelized onions, bacon, or avocado, the sky is the limit.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the secrets to perfectly charred burgers, it’s time to put them into action.

Remember to choose the right meat, shape and size your patties properly, preheat your grill, season your burgers with a light touch, cook them gently, let them rest, and top them to your heart’s content. With these tips in mind, you’ll be grilling up mouth-watering burgers all summer long.