A juicy hamburger is a perfect meal for a cookout. But it can be difficult to grill the perfect burger without a professional guide. You can season hamburgers before or after grilling them. But before or after seasoning, you should know how to season hamburgers for the grill.
Seasoning and oiling your burgers before cooking will create a nice crust when the heat is applied. If your oil and season your hamburgers after they are cooked, you’ll still have a nice crunch to the crust but won’t lose any moisture if you’re looking to grill burgers on the stovetop, not in the oven.
When you’re done with cooking, oven- or grill-baked burgers take on a lighter brown appearance due to their lack of exposure to high temperatures for an extended period.
Oiled and seasoned burgers cook more evenly than those that haven’t been seasoned beforehand because the seasoning coats each piece of meat individually as it cooks through – keeping each burger separate from others.
How to Season Hamburgers for Grilling?
Seasoning hamburgers for grilling contributes to flavor, texture, and moisture retention. You can use a variety of spices, mix ground black pepper with salt, or season your hamburger with a combination of the two.
There are various ways you can season your hamburger. For example:
- Sprinkle salt on the surface of the hamburger patty and then use a brush or paper towel to rub it over the patty
- Turn over and repeat on top until all sides of the meat are coated
- Place meat in a bowl, add slices of provolone cheese, oregano, fennel seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Use your hands or two forks to mix all the ingredients
- Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, cover with another sheet of foil, and bake for 15 minutes
- Uncover, sprinkle with salt and continue cooking for about 5 minutes more
Related: How to Season a Ribeye Steak for Grilling?
Seasoning Hamburgers on the Grill
When cooking hamburgers on a grill, the key is to not over-season them as this might make them too salty or spicy. They should also be seasoned evenly and sprayed with oil to prevent them from sticking.
The most common type of seasoning used by restaurants is steak and salt. These two ingredients are what make up the majority of all commercial seasonings, with some exceptions such as hot sauce or another spiciness. Other lesser-used seasonings include herbs and spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, and chives.
Salt is an important part of steak seasoning because it helps regulate moisture in the food and prevent spoilage when stored at high temperatures–think frying fish or chicken that has been salted beforehand–or when cooked at high temperatures in a pan or oven.
Additionally, salt also inhibits the growth of microbes by drawing out water from their cells which leads to dehydration. Salt contains sodium ions which also help regulate body pH levels.
Types of Seasoning:
- Mustard: This can be used as a sandwich topping, dip, or condiment. It is great on burgers and wraps.
- Green pepper: This one is great for grilling vegetables like green peppers and onions. It adds a sweetness that helps cut the bitterness of some veggies. It also has a smoky taste which can complement grilled meat dishes well.
- Chilli powder: Chili powder is best used with fish, paneer, and ground chicken dishes while its smoky flavor complements grilled meats well such as burgers and steaks. It’s also best used in dips or sauces due to its hotness level.
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is best used with beef dishes like burgers, steak, and tacos. Its spicy heat can create a different taste that is perfect for hotter foods. It also has a slight sweetness to it which helps balance out the spice level.
Also Read: How Long to Cook Burgers on Traeger?
How to Store Burgers After Cooking Them on the Grill?
The method of storing burgers after grilling them on the grill is different for every grill. Find your grill’s specific method for storage and follow it to prevent discoloration.
To store a grilled burger well, here are a few tips:
- The burger should be stored in a sealed container or wrapped to keep the moisture inside.
- Wrap the burger in aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours, then cook it again on the grill.
- Wrap the burger in saran wrap and stack them on top of each other until they have cooled, then store them in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days.
What are Your Favorite Grilled Burger Mixes?
A grilled burger is a sandwich that usually consists of a beef patty, cheese, and other ingredients. Bread is usually used for the bun and the sides vary according to personal preference.
Here are some of our favorite grilled burgers:
- BBQ Burger: Made with bacon, beef, onion slices, and barbecue sauce on a white bun.
- Banh Mi Burger: Made with pate de foie gras (chicken liver), bacon, and Sriracha mayonnaise on a ciabatta bun.
- Black Bean Burger: Made with black beans, roasted poblanos, corn kernels, and cheddar cheese on a whole wheat bun
- Grilled Veggie Burger: Made with oatmeal and sundried tomato pesto on a whole wheat bun.
What’s the Difference Between Grilling and Broiling?
Grilling and broiling are methods of cooking that cause the food to dry out. The principal difference is that grilling relies on the direct heat from a flame or coals, while broiling is done with a pan covered in foil.
The grill gets its great taste and texture from the caramelization of natural sugars in the meat. Steam enters inside along the surface of each side, allowing for moisture to escape and leaving behind flavors like caramelized sugar and smoke.
Many people have found that grilling hamburgers for dinner are easier because it’s quick, fun, easy, and less cleanup required.
Conclusion
Seasoning for a hamburger is an important aspect of making the perfect burger. It gives it a unique personality and tastes that one can enjoy. Without the right seasoning, your burger will not taste as good.