Top 7 Tips for a Better Burger

The pros in Flavortown Market know that a great burger isn’t about the bun or the toppings — it all starts with a killer patty. Try these easy tricks at home to seriously up your burger game.

Save Collection
Related To:
Burger

Photo By: GMVozd ©GMVozd

Photo By: lolostock ©lolostock

Photo By: Elenathewise ©Elenathewise

Photo By: Elena Elisseeva ©Elena Elisseeva

Photo By: Liza McCorkle ©Liza McCorkle

Photo By: Andrea Carpedi ©Andrea Carpedi

Photo By: Scott Rothstein ©Scott Rothstein

Perfect Your Patty 

It’s easy to disguise an average burger patty with lots of crazy toppings, but it’s worth it to put in the work to get that super-juicy burger we know and love. To really wow your guests at your next barbecue, upgrade your patty with these pro tips from Food Network Kitchen. 

Get Into the Grind

Grinding your own meat is best, but if you aren’t able to, look for an 80/20 (that means 80 percent lean beef and 20 percent fat) blend of ground beef.

Keep It Cool  

Refrigerate your beef until you are ready to form or cook it. Don’t give any of the fat a chance to start warming up at room temperature.

Be Gentle 

Once your beef is portioned out, be sure to gently form it into patties that are 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick.

Add a Dimple

Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each patty. This quick extra step keeps your patty from shrinking up while it cooks.

Now It’s Time for Salt 

Be sure to wait until after your patties are formed to season the meat, generously, with kosher salt (and pepper if you like).

Get Cooking 

We love using a hot cast-iron pan or griddle to cook burgers in Food Network Kitchen. You get a nice crunchy outer crust that way.

Thermometers Are Your Friend  

Don’t be afraid to use an instant-read digital thermometer to make sure your burger is done to your liking. Here are the numbers to remember: rare, 120 degrees F; medium rare, 130 degrees F; medium, 140 degrees F; medium well, 150 degrees F; and well done, 160 degrees F.

More Guy’s Grocery Games

Visit the show page to go behind the scenes with the craziest moments on set, read interviews with Guy Fieri and judges, and take the Smart Shopper quiz to find out how you’d do in Flavortown Market.  

More: Guy's Grocery Games

More from:

Guy's Grocery Games

Next Up

Top 5 Tips for the Best Fried Chicken 7 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games All-Stars 21 Photos

Top Moments of Guy's Grocery Games, Season 1 13 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Superstar Grocery Games Tournament 44 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games: Family Style 17 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games Tournament of Champions 21 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Tournament 21 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Tournament 2 53 Photos

Top This: Easy Burger Topping Ideas 8 Photos

A-List Burgers 5 Photos

We Recommend

Top Moments from Guy's Superstar Grocery Games Tournament 44 Photos

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games Tournament of Champions 21 Photos

7 Tips for Healthy & Delicious Burgers

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Tournament 2 53 Photos

Geoffrey Zakarian's Top 10 Tips for Making a Better Burger

Top Moments from Guy's Grocery Games All-Stars 21 Photos