Learning how to grill an amazing burger and then pair it perfectly with beer, wine or cider takes practice. But the fundamentals are actually pretty simple to master. Here are five simples steps to barbequing the perfect burger this summer.
Five steps to barbequing the perfect burger
No matter what kind of burger you're preparing, there are certain rules that apply. Here’s an important one that you might find surprising: never flatten your burgers with the back of a spatula on the grill. This forces fat (and juiciness) out of the burger.
Step 1: It all begins with the meat. Be sure to have some fat content in your ground beef (15-20% is recommended, which is lean to medium), otherwise your burgers will be too dry. Ground chuck is usually the go-to for restaurant chefs.
Step 2: The best burgers are half an inch to three quarters of an inch thick. If your burgers are too thick they will likely char on the outside and stay raw on the inside. On the other hand, if they’re too thin you may end up with dry, flimsy patties that fall apart.
Step 3: Using the back of a spoon, make a shallow, inch-wide dent in each patty to help it cook flat. Dab each burger with a paper towel and sprinkle with salt. This draws out the moisture and helps your burger brown.
Step 4: Start by grilling over high heat to get a nice sear on the outside of your burgers. Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling for about 8 minutes (actual cooking time will depend on size and thickness of your burger). Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. A fully cooked burger will register at 160 °F.
Remember to grill safely. That means things like being aware of hot surfaces, placement of sharp utensils and, don’t forget, never put your barbecue cover on until your grill has completely cooled off.
Pairing burgers with beer, wine and cider
Now that your burgers are perfectly cooked, it’s time to start pairing.
Beer
Robust, bold-flavoured beers tend to pair best with burgers. Try pairing with brown ales, malty lagers, stouts or porters.
Wine
A bold, full-bodied red wine will hold its own against a hearty grilled meal. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you can go against the grain and pair your burgers with a crisp, dry white wine for a refreshing counterpoint.
Cider
Ciders on the medium dry to sweet side taste best with burgers. Look for a cider that’s refreshingly sweet with a crisp finish to balance the richness of your burger.