Introduction to cooking burgers on stove
Cooking burgers on the stove can be an easy and quick way to satisfy your craving for a juicy and delicious burger without having to fire up the grill. While grilling burgers is the most popular way to cook them, cooking burgers on the stove offers several advantages such as the ability to control the temperature, cook multiple burgers at once, and avoid the hassle of cleaning up the grill. In this article, we will discuss how long to cook burgers on stove and the steps you need to take to ensure that your burgers turn out perfectly every time.
Preparing the burger patties
Before you start cooking your burgers, you need to prepare the patties. The best burgers are made from fresh ground beef that has a fat content of around 80%. To make the patties, take the ground beef and shape it into balls that are slightly larger than the buns you will be using. Flatten the balls into patties that are about ¾ inch thick. Make sure to handle the meat gently and avoid overworking it, as this can result in tough burgers.
Choosing the right type of pan
To cook burgers on the stove, you need to choose the right type of pan. A heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan is the best choice as it distributes heat evenly and retains it well. Non-stick pans are not recommended as they tend to heat unevenly and can cause the burgers to stick to the surface. Make sure to choose a pan that is large enough to accommodate all the burgers you plan to cook, leaving some space between them.
Setting the stove temperature
The key to cooking burgers on the stove is to get the temperature right. Preheat the pan on medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding the patties. This will ensure that the pan is evenly heated and the burgers cook evenly. Avoid using high heat as it can cause the burgers to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. You want to aim for a temperature of around 375°F.
Cooking the burger patties
Once the pan is heated, add the patties to the pan, leaving some space between them. Cook the burgers for around 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes for medium, and 7-8 minutes for well-done. Avoid flipping the burgers too often as this can cause them to lose their juices and become dry. Use a spatula to press down on the burgers gently to ensure that they cook evenly.
Checking the burger’s doneness
To check if the burgers are cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare burgers, the temperature should be around 130-135°F, for medium around 140-145°F, and for well-done around 160°F. Alternatively, you can use the touch test by pressing down on the burger with your finger. A medium-rare burger should feel soft, a medium burger should feel slightly firmer, and a well-done burger should feel very firm.
Resting the burger patties
After the burgers are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful burger. Cover the burgers with foil to keep them warm while they rest.
Adding cheese or toppings
If you want to add cheese to your burgers, place a slice of cheese on each patty a minute or two before removing them from the pan. The residual heat will melt the cheese and create a delicious cheesy layer on top of the burger. You can also add toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, or sauce to customize your burger to your liking.
Assembling the burger
To assemble your burger, place the patty on the bottom bun and add your desired toppings. Place the top bun on the burger and press down gently. Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides such as fries, coleslaw, or a salad.
Conclusion and tips for perfect burgers
Cooking burgers on the stove is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a delicious burger at home. Remember to use fresh ground beef, choose the right pan, set the stove temperature correctly, and cook the burgers for the right amount of time. Rest the burgers before adding cheese or toppings and assemble them with your favorite toppings. With these tips, you can make perfect burgers on the stove every time.
