Why You Should Never Grill Your Burgers, According to a Celebrity Chef

For many Americans, the image of burgers sizzling on a grill is synonymous with backyard gatherings and summer barbecues. It's a culinary tradition steeped in simplicity and nostalgia. However, before you fire up the grill for your next batch of burgers, you might want to consider advice from renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who offers compelling reasons to avoid grilling burgers.

Why You Should Never Grill Hamburgers

Gordon Ramsay argues that grilling might not be the best method for cooking burgers, primarily due to the fat loss that occurs during the process. As burgers cook on the grill, much of their fat drips down into the flames, leading to dryer patties. This fat is crucial not only for flavor but also for maintaining a juicy texture. Additionally, Ramsay points out that grilling can cause uneven cooking. The intense direct heat from the grill is perfect for quick-searing meats but can be too harsh for burgers, often charring the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

How Should You Cook Your Burgers, Then?

Instead of grilling, Ramsay advocates for pan-frying burgers. This method allows the burgers to cook in their own fat, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful. Pan-frying also provides more control over the cooking temperature, which is crucial for achieving that perfect medium-rare to well-done range without burning the exterior. Moreover, the even heat of a pan ensures that each part of the burger cooks uniformly, creating a consistent texture and flavor throughout.

What to Grill Instead

While burgers might be better off cooked in a pan, the grill is far from obsolete. Grilling is ideal for foods that benefit from the smoky flavor and char that only high, direct heat can provide. Meats like steaks, chicken, and ribs are excellent candidates for grilling, as their thicker and denser structure can handle the intense heat without drying out. Vegetables also grill beautifully; items like corn on the cob, asparagus, and bell peppers become sweet and smoky, transforming into perfect side dishes for your grilled meats.