Frozen burgers are a convenient option when you’re grilling on a weeknight. But how do you cook them on the grill without destroying them?
Use two-zone grilling to keep your burgers juicy. Start them on the cooler side of the grill to gradually thaw and then move them to the hot zone for a perfect sear.
Getting the Patties Separated
Frozen burger patties are typically individually frozen with small wax sheets between them, so you can pull out just the ones you want to grill. This allows you to skip the step of thawing them out ahead of time, saving you both time and energy.
When it comes to separating the frozen burgers, you will want to work quickly to minimize the amount of time that the patties are exposed to room temperature. This will also help to keep bacteria from growing too rapidly. Additionally, working on a surface that can be easily sanitized will be helpful for this process. If you are separating a large batch of frozen burgers, it may be a good idea to work in groups so that you can sanitize your workspace between batches.
You will also want to remember that, since the burgers are frozen, they will cook a little bit more slowly than if you were grilling them fresh. This will require you to monitor them more closely, and be ready to flip them a few minutes earlier than usual.
Additionally, the temperature of your grill will vary slightly, so it is a good idea to use a thermometer to make sure that you are cooking the burgers to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Be careful not to overcook the burgers, though, as this can cause them to become tough and dry.
Getting the Patties on the Grill
Frozen patties cook evenly and retain their shape well, unlike fresh burgers which tend to shrink and bulge during grilling. You can also add ingredients before cooking such as sauteed mushrooms, swiss cheese, or grilled onions to make an interesting variation. The best part is that this cooking method can be used on gas, charcoal, electric, or pellet grills!
Preheat your grill to about 375degF (medium heat). After it is hot, clean the grill grates and brush them with oil to prevent sticking. If you are using a charcoal grill, be sure to light your coals and let them get white-hot before adding them to the grill.
Once the burgers are ready, put them on the grill and cook them for about five minutes on the first side. After five minutes, flip them. If you want, you can season them at this point with salt and black pepper. This will work better than trying to do it after they are cooked as the patty will be softer and absorb the seasoning more easily.
Be sure to use a instant-read meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the burgers. When they are at 160deg-162degF, remove them from the grill and let rest for a couple minutes before serving. This is the best way to avoid any bacterial contamination from the raw insides.
Getting the Patties Cooked
While grilling fresh burgers, you may need to flip them several times to ensure they are cooked evenly. Frozen burgers will also need to be flipped multiple times. If you are cooking the burgers to be medium rare, make sure that they have an internal temperature of 160 degrees before removing them from the grill. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this.
When you are ready to grill, preheat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, spread out the coals and let them become white-hot. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook them until they begin to show signs of juices. Do not press down on the burgers while they are on the grill because this will push all of the juices out and leave you with a dry burger.
Once the burgers have been cooked on one side, turn them over and season them with salt and pepper. If you are using a two-zone grill, it is best to season the side that is away from the direct heat first. This allows the salt and pepper to dissolve before the burgers are moved over to the hotter area of the grill. Once seasoned, you should also wait to flip the burgers again. This will allow the softer side to absorb the flavor.
Getting the Patties Off the Grill
Generally, you’ll need to grill the frozen patties for about 20 minutes while flipping them every 5 minutes. The burgers will thaw and cook through to the center, and the internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (for food safety reasons).
It is important to watch your burgers closely when grilling them from frozen because they can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked in the time it takes to flip them. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
If you like, sprinkle the burgers with some seasoning at this point. The patty will absorb the seasoning better when it is slightly warm than when it is cold. You can also use your favorite sauces and condiments to dress the burgers.
Serve the burgers on buns that you have lightly toasted on the grill for crunch and flavor. You can add toppings such as tomato, lettuce, pickles, onions, jalapenos and more to build the perfect burger. It’s a good idea to let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the released beef juices to redistribute for maximum juicy goodness. Enjoy!
