Cooking burgers on the stove can be a quick and delicious way to prepare a favorite meal, especially when you don’t have access to a grill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked stovetop burgers.
Preparing the Burgers
Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your burger patties correctly.
Combine Ingredients: Mix ground beef with other desired ingredients such as egg yolk, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers dense and tough[1][4][5].
Form Patties: Divide the meat mixture into portions and gently flatten each into half-inch thick patties. Create a thumbprint or a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly[1][3][4].
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the patties for about 10 minutes to firm them up before cooking.
Cooking the Burgers
To cook the burgers, follow these steps:
Heat the Pan: Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-weight pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil to the pan once it is hot. This will help create a flavorful crust on the burgers[1][3][5].
Add Patties: Place the chilled patties into the preheated pan. Make sure the patties have enough space to cook properly; overcrowding can prevent them from searing correctly[3][4].
Cook the First Side: Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes on the first side, or until they start to brown on the edges. This is a good indicator that it’s time to flip them[1][3][4].
Cooking Times Based on Doneness
The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness:
Medium-Rare: Cook for about 3 minutes per side, totaling around 6 minutes. The internal temperature should be between 130°F to 135°F[3][4][5].
Medium: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, totaling around 7-8 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 145°F[3][4][5].
Medium-Well: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, totaling around 9 minutes. The internal temperature should be between 150°F to 155°F[3][4][5].
Well Done: Cook for about 5 minutes per side, totaling around 10 minutes. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F to ensure food safety[1][3][4].
Additional Tips
Use a Thermometer: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. This ensures they are cooked to a safe temperature[1][3][4].
Flip Once: Flip the burgers only once to maintain their juiciness and even cooking.
Add Cheese: If you’re adding cheese, move the pan off the heat, add the cheese, and cover the pan with a lid to allow the cheese to melt smoothly[1][4].
Toasting the Buns
To complete your stovetop burgers, toast the hamburger buns:
Butter the Buns: Butter the cut sides of the buns.
Toast in Skillet: Toast the buns in the same skillet used for the burgers, or broil them until lightly golden brown[3][4].
Most Important Facts About Cooking Burgers on the Stove
Cooking Time:
Medium-Rare: 6 minutes total (3 minutes per side)
Medium: 7-8 minutes total (3-4 minutes per side)
Medium-Well: 9 minutes total (4-5 minutes per side)
Well Done: 10 minutes total (5 minutes per side)[3][4][5].
Internal Temperature:
Medium-Rare: 130°F – 135°F
Medium: 145°F
Medium-Well: 150°F – 155°F
Well Done: At least 160°F[3][4][5].
Pan Preparation:
Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-weight pan.
Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add butter or oil before adding the patties[1][3][5].
Food Safety:
Ensure the burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to comply with FDA guidelines[1][3][4].
By following these guidelines, you can create delicious, perfectly cooked stovetop burgers that rival those made on a grill.
