How to make the Perfect Burger [+ Grill Time Reference Chart]

Here’s a simple and helpful guide to getting the very best out of your burgers. Not everyone likes their burger well done, or pink in the middle for that matter.

If you’re on the hunt for a burger grill time chart to help you figure out how long to grill your burgers for, you’ve arrived at the right place.

If you like burgers as much as I do, check out this delicious Spongebob Krappy Patty or this secret Good Burger Sauce!

Fresh Beef Burger Grill Times

Here’s a simple chart to follow. Use this as a guideline and keep in mind that there are a few variables to consider which I’ve laid out below:

Doneness	First Side Time	Second Side Time
Rare	2 minutes	3 minutes
Medium-Rare	3 minutes	4 minutes
Medium	3 minutes	5 minutes
Medium-Well	4 minutes	5 minutes
Well Done	4 minutes	6 minutes

The best way to ensure that your burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a medium-rare burger should be 130-135°F (55-57°C), a medium burger should be 135-145°F (57-63°C), and a well-done burger should be 160°F (71°C).

It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of grill you are using and the thickness of the patty, so it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that your burger is safe to eat and cooked to your liking.

Frozen Beef Burger Grill Times

The grill time for a frozen beef burger will be longer than that of a fresh burger due to the fact that the frozen burger needs to thaw and then cook. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the patty, the heat of the grill, and how well-done you like your burger. Here’s a general guideline:

Preheat the grill to medium-excessive heat.
Place the frozen burger on the grill.
Cook the burger for about 6 minutes on one side.
Flip the burger and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side.
Check the internal temperature of the burger as listed above.

Additionally, it’s important to fully thaw the burger before cooking it to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Turkey Burger Grill Times

The grilling time for a turkey burger is similar to that of a beef burger but may require a slightly shorter cooking time because turkey burgers tend to cook faster than beef burgers. Here’s a general guideline for cooking turkey burgers on a grill:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the turkey burger on the grill.
Cook the burger for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side.
Flip the burger and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.

Check the internal temperature of the burger with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a fully cooked turkey burger should be 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Burgers Grill Times

The grilling time for a chicken burger is similar to that of a turkey burger and may require a slightly shorter cooking time than a beef burger. Here’s a general guideline for cooking chicken burgers on a grill:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the chicken burger on the grill.
Cook the burger for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side.
Flip the burger and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.

Check the internal temperature of the burger with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a fully cooked chicken burger should be 165°F (74°C).

Bison Burgers Grill Time

The grilling time for a bison burger is similar to that of a beef burger, but bison meat tends to be leaner than beef, so it may require a shorter cooking time. Here’s a general guideline for cooking bison burgers on a grill:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the bison burger on the grill.
Cook the burger for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side.
Flip the burger and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.

Check the internal temperature of the burger with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a medium-rare bison burger should be 130-135°F (55-57°C), a medium bison burger should be 135-145°F (57-63°C), and a well-done bison burger should be 160°F (71°C).

Veggie Burgers

The grilling time for a veggie burger will depend on the type of veggie burger you are cooking, as well as the heat of the grill. Here’s a general guideline for cooking most types of veggie burgers on a grill:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the veggie burger on the grill.
Cook the burger for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side.
Carefully flip the burger and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes on the other side.

Check the internal temperature of the burger if you’re using a temperature-sensitive veggie burger. Most veggie burgers don’t require a specific temperature for doneness, but if you’re unsure, check the package instructions.

Tips For Grilling The Perfect Burger

Are you looking to get the best burger possible? Here are a few simple tips that can help you out:

Burger Seasoning

The best burger seasoning is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. However, here are some common seasonings that can enhance the flavor of your burger:

Salt and pepper: A classic seasoning combination that brings out the natural flavors of the meat.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that complements the beef.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the burger.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the burger.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor to the burger.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory flavor to the burger.
Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the burger.

You can experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find what you like best. It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust to taste as you go.

Additionally, remember that seasoning is just one aspect of making a great burger. Other factors such as the quality and freshness of the meat, the cooking temperature and time, and the type of bun and toppings can all contribute to the overall flavor of the burger.

Let The Burger Juices Do the Work

Grilling a juicy burger is all about preparation and cooking techniques.

Use ground beef with higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. The fat helps keep the burger moist and juicy.

When forming your patties, be gentle and avoid overworking the meat. Overworking the meat can result in a tough burger that is dry and not juicy.

Create an indentation. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into each patty to form a shallow indentation. This helps the burger cook more evenly and prevents it from puffing up during cooking.

Preheat the grill to a high heat (around 450-500°F). This will help sear the burgers quickly and seal in the juices.

Avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula, as this can release the juices.

Once the burgers have been taken off the grill, allow them to sit for a few minutes before consuming them. This will give them time to cool down and let their juices redistribute throughout the meat resulting in an even juicier burger.

Adding Cheese

Adding cheese to a burger is a great way to take your burger to the next level. Here are some tips for adding cheese to a burger:

The type of cheese you choose can have a big impact on the flavor of your burger. Common choices include cheddar, American, Swiss, and pepper jack. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors in your burger.

If you’re grilling your burger, wait until the last few minutes of cooking before adding the cheese. This will ensure that the cheese melts properly and doesn’t burn or stick to the grill.

To help the cheese melt evenly, cover the burger with a lid or aluminum foil while it’s still on the grill. This will trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt more quickly.

Turn Up the Heat!

When grilling a burger, you should use direct heat. Direct heat is a high-heat cooking method where you cook the burger directly over the flame or heat source.

This method is best for outdoor grilling or cooking on a stovetop grill pan. Direct heat is great for achieving a nice sear on the outside of the burger while keeping the inside juicy.

To grill a burger using direct heat, preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F). Once the grill is hot, carefully place the burgers on the grill grates using a spatula.

Let the burgers cook for 3-4 minutes without touching them. Then, use a spatula to flip the burgers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. Verify the internal temperature of the burgers using a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked as desired.

By using direct heat to grill your burgers, you’ll be able to achieve a delicious sear on the outside of the burger while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Wrapping It Up

I hope this information has empowered you to go ahead and whip up your own burgers, cooked to your liking. Leave a comment below to let me know how yours turned out.