Introduction: Making burgers on stove
If you’re craving a delicious burger but don’t have access to a grill, don’t worry, you can still make a tasty burger on your stove. Cooking burgers on a stove is a great option when it’s too cold outside or if you don’t have a grill. With the right ingredients and some simple steps, you can make a juicy burger in no time.
Choose the right meat for your burgers
The key to making a great burger is choosing the right meat. Look for ground beef that has a high percentage of fat, around 80/20 or 85/15, which will keep your burger juicy and flavorful. Avoid lean meat, as it tends to dry out and become tough during cooking. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Divide your meat into equal portions
Once you have your meat, divide it into equal portions. A typical burger patty is around 4-6 ounces, depending on your preference. Use a scale or your hands to measure out the portions and shape them into patties. Make sure not to overwork the meat or make the patties too thick, as they will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
Season your burger patties to taste
To add flavor to your burgers, season them with salt and pepper or your favorite burger seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Make sure to season both sides of the patties evenly.
Heat up your skillet or grill pan
Heat up a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the meat but not too hot that it burns. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent the patties from sticking.
Cook your burger patties on the stove
Once the pan is hot, add the burger patties to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium burgers. If you prefer your burgers well-done, cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this will release the juices and make the burgers dry.
Flip your burger patties for even cooking
After 3-4 minutes, use a spatula to flip the patties over. If you want to add cheese, do it at this step. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Add cheese or toppings to your burgers
Once the cheese is melted, remove the patties from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. During this time, you can add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or condiments.
Toast your buns to perfection
While the patties are resting, you can toast the buns. Use the same pan you cooked the patties in and place the buns cut-side down to toast. It only takes a minute or two to get a crispy, golden-brown bun.
Assemble your perfect stove-cooked burger
Now it’s time to assemble your burger. Place the patties on the bottom buns, add your desired toppings, and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, stove-cooked burger.
