When cooking burgers, broiling them in the oven is a great option for cooking them, as it is a great alternative for grilling them. It lets you have delicious, juicy burgers, and you can do it all indoors when the weather is bad. The broiling method of cooking is underrated, as it can yield the same results as grilling, and perhaps even better results. If you are wondering how long to broil burgers in the oven, you are in the right spot. We will guide you and your taste buds through the delicious and right processes to ensuring your burgers are packed with juicy flavors all throughout.
Broiling, as a cooking technique, makes use of high heat coming from above and is great for cooking some of your favorite burgers. This technique is great for searing the outside and finishing the inside of your burgers. The heat from the above will effortless work to create a texture from burger crust while also cooking the other inside and keep the inside juicy while also cooking the inside.
When broiling burgers in the oven, it\’s important to use the broiler feature, which gets the oven to a temperature sitting at 500 degrees, and in some cases, 550 degrees. Without using that feature, a broil would not be accomplished, and achieving that perfect sear and char to those burgers would be close to impossible. The broiling stage is the quickest of them all, and therefore, it’s ideal for a quick and easy dinner. Speed also means you’re going to have to be on top of it, and you’ll be required to pay attention to the food so that nothing gets burned (more so than average oven cooking).
Preparation is also the key to success, as there is an optimal way to prepare the burgers so that they have proper structure along with a good taste.
Choosing ground beef offers a pretty clear distinction that is better for meat and in this case, burgers is a higher fat ground beef, 80/20 is a perfect selection. 79/21 is also good. If this is not the blend you prefer, it is ideal ground beef as this is the perfect blend that offers a much more moist and juicer cooked steak with a good flavor.
Choosing quality meat means ensuring you’re selecting the right cut plus making the right choice based on fat content. As a rule of thumb, never grab pre-packaged beef; they are likely less tender and flavorful than they should be. For the best quality burger meat, consult a local butcher on what they recommend and what is available for grinding. They may also be able to grind your meat to your specifications, allowing even more control over how best to pair your beef fat content to the cut.
Shaping Burger Patties for Oven Broiling
A good size for a burger patty is roughly 3/4 of an inch thick. One trick to keep them from puffing up in the center while they cook is to poke a small hole in the top of each slider. This also helps them cook a more even temperature throughout. When you’re making them be sure you aren’t packing the meat too tightly to avoid a tougher bite.
One of the most important things to remember when you’re making burgers is to make them the same size. For some burgers to not be overdone (or some even underdone) they should all be able to fit on the grill and not be running into each other, which means they all need to be the same size. In some situations, the use of a small kitchen scale to measure each patty is appropriate.
Seasoning and Marinade for Oven-Broiled Burgers
These patties should be seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and other favorite spices a little bit before cooking. Mixing different spice combinations for personalized flavor profiles and meal ideas is a great option to consider. It is best to be more adventurous with the spice combinations.
For those who like more adventurous and crazier ideas, it is even better to incorporate different spices and herbs with the meat before the you start shaping the patties. Burgers are also great with flavor enhancers like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even minced shallots. Feel free to be super crazy and think outside the box to the max for the creativity. Seasoning is totally a personal preference. Make it yours!
How to Broil Burgers in the Oven: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Oven-Broiled Burgers
After all the hamburgers are seasoned and shaped, the next step is to start the broiling process. You’ve come to the right place for perfect step-by-step instructions. Cozy up for the perfect broiled burger every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Broiler
Now you will start with preheating the broiler on your oven. Make sure to place the oven rack about 4 to 6 inches from the heat, as this is the most optimal spacing to ensure the meat cooks evenly. Yes, a properly preheated broiler is that important to the process to create perfect burgers. The meat will start cooking properly right away, which is crucial to a create good sear for the finished meat sandwich patties.
Preheating requires patience as well as monitoring your oven’s temperature reading closely. Adjustments made prior to baking will save time later, as every oven type is different.
Use an aluminum foil sheet to line the baking sheet, making cleaning easier. Inserting a wire rack set over the baking sheet will encourage a healthier end result by allowing the burgers’ fat to drip, while also providing the evenly cooked patties a fully heated air oven to use.
Step 2: Preparing the Baking Sheet
If you have one on hand, a broiler pan will assist with the meal prep, as it is tailored for this type of cooking. To improve the pan’s design, it’s made so that smoke is minimized by trapping the left over grease, making your over easier to clean afterwards.
Once everything is prepared, layer the baking sheet or wire rack configuration with your desired amount of burger patties. Leaving ample room between them will help circulate air and moisture to encourage even cooking throughout the pan. If you’re not too crowded, the edges and surface of the patties will get the nice, crispy finish desired.
More room is needed for larger batch cooks when broiling burgers. If needed, broil in smaller batch ez to get each patty properly cook broiling for small patty broiling.
Step 4: Broil the Burgers
Start with placing the sheet pan in the oven in the oven for 3 – 4 min to get them to medium – rare, for 5 – 6 min to get them to medium, or for 6 – 8 min to get well done burgers. Each oven is different so be careful and watch the broiling closely. You want to flip each burger patty only once for best juiciness.
Utilize the oven light to watch and make sure to close the oven door to not lose too much Heat. If you are close to the time for however done you would like them to be, be doubtful so that you will not over cook. If you see the burgers are done, you can always cook burgers longer, you can not remove over cooked.
Step 5: Check the Temperature
Use a thermometer to make sure the burgers are done the way you want. 160° for the medium and 170° for well done. This must be done for safety and to get the right doneness.
To get the right reading, stick the thermometer into the center of the thickest section of the patty. It’s important to remember that burgers carry over cook after being taken off the heat. If you’re looking for an underdone center, pull the burgers when the thermometer reads about 5°F from your desired doneness temp.
Tips for the Perfect Broiled Burgers
Rest the Burgers
When the burgers are done, take them out to rest before serving. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a flavor-packed burger. It also helps in keeping the patty moist.
This is also a great moment for you to prep any of the other toppings and sides that you might want to serve with the burger. Don’t skip resting the burger. It is an important step and the result will greatly satisfy your hard work.
Add Cheese
If you enjoy cheeseburgers, you can put a slice of your favorite melting cheese on top of the patty in the last minute of the broiling step. Good options are cheddar, Swiss, and American for that creamy cheeseburger topping. The heat from the burger will melt the cheese to perfection.
Consider adding brie or blue cheese for a touch of gourmet finesse. These cheeses elevate the taste of a basic burger. Changing the cheese yields different combinations and flavors, which is always fun.
Toast the Burger Buns
Another excellent approach is to brown the burger buns. Burgers are a dish that gets even better with bun toasting, and it takes only about 30 seconds to become brown and toasted.
Touch is important here. Buns go from bad to charred so be careful in watching for the good toasting and avoid removing and bad.
Baking a side dish is a good touch for a full dish with the broiled burgers. To help, here are some side dish ideas.
Crispy Oven Fries: Potatoes cut into wedges, with olive oil, salt and pepper seasoning, then baked to golden and crispy baked fries are a wonderful side dish. This classic dish can have variations with different root vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Fresh Garden Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette are the base of a light salad that goes well with a juicy burger. You can up the salad’s texture and flavor by adding avocado, nuts, or feta.
Grilled Vegetables: A healthy side can be made by grilling or broiling some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The natural sweetness of the grilled veggies can provide a nice contrast to the burger’s savory taste.
Conclusion
An effortless and easy way to enjoy a classic favorite is by broiling burgers in the oven. It’s a great practice whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a party, because it gives juicy, delicious burgers without any guess work. Broiling burgers can be a beautiful experience and with a good timing and preparation, it can produce a meal that everyone loves. It’s a great way to enjoy the simplicity of cooking while getting creative.
By following these suggestions, you will know not only how long to broil burgers in the oven, but how to improve your patty and side preparation to a new and better level. Different methods, spices, and sides can make for a completely separate and unique burger night every time. So, when that burger craving hits, skip the grill and use the oven to broil for delicious results.