My ex-husband taught me how to make the perfect burger and cook the perfect burger, and now I’m spoiled. He was very, very picky about it. Hence, I’m very, very picky too.
I learned a lot from him since he’s an amazing cook. (You’ll never hear me say anything bad about him. He’s a great guy.) So, just in time for grilling season, I’ve put together some tips on making the perfect burger.
How To Make the Perfect Burger
• Choose the right meat – In a perfect burger world, you would grind your own meat (chuck roast, brisket and short ribs,) so you can control exactly what’s in it, but let’s be real. I ain’t got time for that, and you likely don’t either. (If you do, I want an invite to your next cookout.)
So you’re most likely stuck with what the grocery store stocks. The leanest cuts like ground sirloin will also make for the driest burgers, so ideally you should shoot for about an 80/20 meat/fat ratio — typically ground chuck. (No vacuum packed or frozen meat, y’all.)
• Don’t overhandle the meat – Form your patties loosely. If you pack them tightly, it will result in a tougher burger.
• Dimple the burger – Take your thumb and push a well into the middle of your patty. It helps it cook evenly so you don’t end up with a center that’s eek-ishly more pink or red than the outside of the burger.
• Season liberally – Burgers can take a lot of seasoning, but wait until you’ve formed the patties and are ready to cook. Salt reacts once it hits the meat and starts changing the texture.
• Cook over HOT heat – Make sure the grill or skillet is very hot. I’m a charcoal griller for life, so I look for the coals to be ashed over pretty well. That high heat sears your burger and makes it oh so pretty!  Cook them on the gas grill if you must though…sheesh.
• Don’t press down on the patties – Dude, no. Don’t do that.
• Choose great buns – They should be warm and lightly toasted, and a good size relative to the patty. I could also lecture you about not buying the standard soft buns in the bread aisle and going for something sturdier that won’t get all smooshy from juices and condiments, but I’d also be lecturing myself. (My guests get better buns though, I swear.)
• Choose a meltable cheese – The cheese stands alone; make it count.
• Use fresh fixings – Make sure you have crisp, cold lettuce, beautiful onions and great quality, ripe tomatoes for your burger set. It matters.
 Tell me what your perfect burger looks like!
Ralff Dizon says
That Steak Looks delicious, Awesome foods.
Donna says
Yes, too the meltable cheese and good hamburger meat! I love a good burger and the best way to grill one is on a charcoal grill. 🙂
Angela says
These are great tips on how to make the perfect burger. I never heard of dimpling them first. I will try that.
JDaniel4's Mom says
This looks delicious! We love cheese with our burgers at my house.
Raijean says
Yes, there is nothing like a great burger! TGIF has some of the best.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
My perfect burger has bacon, cheddar, and carmelized onions. I only heard about the dimple in the burger yesterday on a commercial!
Anne says
I love a good burger. I like the tip to dimple them before cooking, I don’t do that and it seems like a great way to make sure the middle gets cooked through.
Elizabeth Norton says
My husband needs to read this. It has been a while since I have BBQed myself. My husband usually volunteers and I really dont mind.
Krystal says
YUM! I didn’t know about putting a dimple in a burger to help. We just had burgers tonight with roasted jalapenos!
Jennifer H says
My perfect burger includes some cheddar cheese, lettuce, bacon, and ketchup is all I like.
Katie says
I finally bought a new grill (my old one was 17 years old and hanging on by a weak thread) and I’m SO happy to be able to grill burgers again! Last week I made provolone mushroom and avocado burgers, but I love to switch them up!
Debbie Denny says
Dimple your burger is a good idea. A good cheese is all important.
Ty says
I’ve been told that I make excellent burgers and mine have been compared to In & Outs. The perfect burger to me looks juicy, meaty and the veggies must be cold and crisp.
Carly Bellard says
Great pointers! I hate going to cook outs are watching people squish the juice out of my burger.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
My perfect burger is just a simple pickles, ketchup, and grilled onions burger. But this looks good too.
HilLesha says
Now, I know if I ever grill burgers for my son and husband! 🙂
Joanna Sormunen says
How delicious! Now I really have to get a good burger, lol
Melissa says
YUM! We are making burgers tonight so sending this to my husband! He’s the grill master!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
I agree that seasoning them well plays a big part in how juicy and flavorful hamburgers are. We tend to season ours quite generously.
Jackie Houston says
Great tips especially because we plan on cooking out in the next few weeks :] And that jack daniels burger looks AMAZING!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
My husband makes the best burgers so we all request he make the burgers when we have them for dinner. His dad taught him and his dad was super picky about them. Sound familiar? 🙂
Lexie Lane says
Yum! This looks so great! They do look like they turned out really perfect! I’m not sure my husband ever presses on them like that. I’ll have to show him this. Thanks for the tip!
April Decheine says
I love how to burger posts. I seem to try every different way to make them. We had Juicy Lucys last night on the grill, so good. Love them loaded with everything.
April says
Those are some great burger tips!!! How do you season it after you make the patty? Just curious. I put Worcestershire sauce in mine and mix it in. I am trying to figure out how I would do that after making the patty.
Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says
I thought I was pretty good at cooking burgers but had never heard of dimpling them. Thanks for the tip!!
Chelsea says
I’m a presser downer… I’ll stop >_>
But. The dimpling. THAT is the best tip EVER!!! I just picked it up a couple months ago and my burgers don’t end up being big circles anymore!
Veronica says
My boyfriend would be all over that burger. He loves burgers. Looks delicious
Danelle reed says
I miss charcoal…..My mother in law talked me into replacing with a gas grill…..it will never be the same!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
The perfect burger to me has bacon and cheese on it! Love the tips!
Kira says
My perfect burger is well seasoned and stuffed with jalapeno and cheese and I agree with you it’s all in the meat – fresh 100%.
Nicole Brady says
@Kira – That sounds delicous. My hot-sauce-loving 11 year old would probably love it! I certainly would!
Mary Dailey says
Thanks for the great tips! Who doesn’t love a good burger. Just saw not long ago about dimpling the burger.
Alyssa C says
Those burgers looks DELICIOUS, thank you for sharing these tips!
Michelle says
Great tips! I find the dimple and not pressing the burgers help a lot.
Kimberly Grabinski says
Yum! I never knew you should dimple it, great tip!
Jonathan G says
This is helpful for me, as I do most of my family’s cooking. For me, I’ve always found my perfect burger to contain some type of cheese, and onions. On occasion, jalapenos as well.
Lucero @We Are Earthformed says
Summer for us is burger season. We try to make it for just the weekends otherwise we’d be gaining so much weight :). My husband is really good at making burgers. I’ve mastered making them on a cast iron skillet since he likes the crisp of burgers made on a flat top. I totally agree – no smushing. Never heard of the dimpling technique but I understand the concept and will probably use it next time I make burgers. That Jack Daniel’s Burger from TGI Fridays looks awesome.
Marina says
My perfect burger is well done, packed with tomato, pickles, lettuce, mayo and melted cheese-any. No preferences here!! 😉
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
It is 9:15 a.m. and now all I want is a juicy burger. Since you are coming to my next party (wink, wink), I’ll be sure to grind my own meats! I do sausages too!
Kelsey Apley says
We always dimple ours, I can’t stand when the burgers shrink so tiny and fat! Yum your burger looks perfect, I love a toasted bun!!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
Sending this post to my hubby…he is the grill master at my house!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
Dimpling the burger for even cooking is so important! It took me years to learn that.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
I haven’t heard of dimpling the burger before. Great tip. Gona try that next time I make some.
Kero Pinkihan says
I didn’t knew about the burger pattie dimple! will try it next cookout.
love the TGI Fridays Business lunch. have yet to try their burger though…i can’t get past their blackened chicken alfredo pasta
Melanie says
Burgers! Yes I love burgers! My kids were just asking about burgers too, thanks for the tips
Rebecca Swenor says
Did not know to dimple the burger. Thanks for the cooking tips for the perfect burger.
Nicole says
These are great tips. I make sure to implement all of these, because I LOVE the perfect burger.
Lindsay says
My husband is going to be so happy! We love to grill. YAY SUMMER!
Joanna Sormunen says
Thank you, these are really great tips. And I’m drooling already, need to make some hamburgers, lol
Emily says
I saw that dimple tip on the Man Vs Food commercial that’s on TV now. Super smart!
R U S S says
I’m sharing these tips with my Mom and my brother ( who loves burgers to bits ).
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
Dimple the burger, I would have never thought to do that but it makes sense. I love perfectly grilled burgers!
heather says
These are great tips I always pack my burgers tight I have to stop doing that.
Nicole Brady says
Too many people smush their burgers. I’m so glad you marked that as a no-no!
Sarah Marturano says
I absolutely didn’t know about the dent for even cooking. Great tips! I can’t wait to try them.
Jen - Life With Levi says
Mykl just laughed at me last week for making “meatballs” instead of burgers. Perfect timing to read this!
Anne says
Oh man, now I want a burger. Badly.
Seriously, though, you’ve got some great tips here, applicable whether we’re using the grill (charcoal, of course) or if I’m using my stovetop grill pan. I love to top my burgers with caramelized onions, or at least sauteed onions. Better yet, a big fat slice of Vidalia onion, when they’re in season. Heaven.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I want a burger now! Those look so delicious!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
great tips, unfortunately that is me, I press down! My husband hates when I do that, takes all the juice out!
Sharon says
I have been telling my husband and kids for years to stop pressing on the patty!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
I LOVE your tips! I’m a charcoal girl too – for sure! Oh and the dimple – I had no idea! Totally agree, don’t smash the meat, and meltable cheese is a must!
Franc Ramon says
I think I like how you made the burger and added a meltable cheese in it. I also like the burger at Fridays. I order that sometimes at Fridays.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
Terrific tips! Ok, I’ll bite. (Pun intended.) why aren’t you supposed to press down on the burger?
Maria Oller says
II’m not picky as long as it’s not me cooking, it will be my perfect burger
Leira Pagaspas says
I love a good and juicy burger!! Your photos just made me hungry;.
Colleen says
I had no idea bout the type of meat and the thumb print in the middle great tips I’m going to use them.
Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor) says
Oh my….So yummy. Love the tip to dimple the burger in the center. I never knew to do that, but it makes so much sense. The pics are killing me….I could jump right through my screen and snag a burger! 🙂
Tonya says
Okay, now I’m ready for a burger. 🙂 I love to use dry salad and soup mixes to flavor my burgers and while I love a good burger any time of year, there is nothing like a great burger cooked on the grill.
Sarah Bailey says
Oh yum they definitely do look like a good burger – now to just get the OH to help. x
Pam W says
Those look mouthwatering! I’ll have to try them next time we have a family cookout.
Pam says
Not overhandling the meat is so important! I really like thin burgers with lots of toppings.
Brandy says
That sounds and looks just about right, definitely the perfect burger. I love the dimple tip, never tried it. I am going to next time I grill! Thanks Liz!
Shell says
These are great tips! We just had a big cookout here, but a friend ended up taking over burger duty.
Roch says
Oh wow that really looks like a nice burger patty!
Jhady says
I didn’t know there are techniques in making burger. Thanks for these tips, my hubby is usually the one who cooks burger for us. I think I can probably make one using these steps. I love putting tomato and onion to my burger and also lettuce. The healthier the better.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I started doing the “burger dimple” a couple years ago & it does help a lot.
Dawn says
My husband makes really good burgers on the grill. I wonder if he follows these steps? I will have to share these with him and see.
Terry says
Really!!! I didn’t know dimpling it would make a burger cook even. I don’t do the grilling so I will have to tell my Hubs.
maria @ close to home says
I love grilled buns too. Meat really does make a difference. For a while I bought super lean beef and it just is not as good.
Ann Bacciaglia says
BBQ burgers. Is there anything better? Thank you so much for sharing your technique.
Tracie says
My mouth is watering.
I think we are going to have to have burgers for dinner now.
Thanks for the great tips.
Danielle says
I definitely have not honed my skills in the fine art of making burgers. Great tips, thank you!
Crystal Green says
This looks so good for sure! I didn’t even know half of these tips, and I’m glad I read this in detail because I do make a lot of homemade burgers. I’ll have to implement these tips and see if they improve my burgers.
Malia says
Great tips. I hate when the inside of a burger is too pink, I’ll have to keep your tip in mind to prevent that.
Marni | Love and Duck Fat says
That looks delicious! I can’t wait until we get a new grill. I took notes!
Amber Edwards says
Oh my goodness, I knew all those tips EXCEPT to Dimple the burger! I had no idea! Oh man, watch out! My burgers are going to be extra yummy now! 🙂
chickie brewer says
I like the part where you make a dimple in the middle of the burger. I will try that one.
Rosie says
Wow I love this post! Burgers are the one thing I always leave to someone else as I’m so not good at them! This might change now though…going to try the dimple in the middle, and NOT press them down! (ooops!)
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
My burgers turn out less than perfect as I don’t dimple them and usually flatten them while grilling. Oops 😛
Giveaways 4 Mom says
Thanks for the tips. I suck when it comes to cooking burgers. I am more of a sweet person.
Carlee C says
These are great tips. Who knew there was so much science into perfecting burgers. I like a good burger, so it is worth it!
Karen Coutu says
I’ll have to share these tips with my husband. He’s the one who usually makes the burgers for the grill and I think he might possibly pack them too tightly and does not dimple the patties. 🙂
celebbabylaundry says
Wow these were great tips! I never knew about the thumb technique with burgers.
suzanne says
I like the idea to dimple the burger, that makes good sense. I need a good burger now.
Anna says
My perfect burger is a classic style loaded with veggies 🙂
Yona says
Thanks for the burger tips – I learned about dimpling a burger and packing the meat loosely – two things that I do not do when I make burger, but will now. Pinning this!
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
I never knew about the indentation, the salt, or not pressing down on the burger while cooking (totally guilty)! I will have to try these tips next time! 😉
MzBaker says
Yum! I was thinking of making burgers for dinner tonight.
Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM says
My perfect burger looks like a veggie burger (I’m vegan!). Now, I have to say I really admire that you talk positively about your ex-husband. That’s so refreshing! I love it!
Rachel @RunningRachel says
What a great step by step how to guide on how to make the perfect burger! YOu make it look so simple! 🙂 Perhaps I should have my husband (who mans the grill) check out this post 😉
Brett Martin says
Great tips! I think I want burgers for dinner now!
noelle d says
that makes me want a burger for dinner now 😉
Mary Ann says
Toasting the bun is a must! Looks so good, I think we will grill for dinner!
Denine, from We Know Stuff says
Wow- great tips. Now I need a burger!!
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
These are great tips! I am LOVING that grilling season has begun again.
Michael W Perkins says
Perfect Burger is Topped with a thin slice of Vidalia Onion IMO…
Jennifer B says
Wow those burgers do look amazing!! My mouth is watering over here!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
For my Hubby & 13 year old the perfect burger has cheese mixed right in! Yum!
Krystyn says
Now I totally want a burger! I always season the meat and mix it..I didn’t know I should do it after they are formed. And, love the dimple idea!
Amy Desrosiers says
This is totally the same way I do mine as well! It has a lot to do with the beef quality too!!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
Grilled burgers are my favorite and that Jack Daniels burger from Fridays is totally ridiculous…in a good way!!
Cascia @ The Healthy Moms Mag says
Great tips! I never thought about making a dimple in the center. I am going to have to try that next time. We only serve turkey burgers and veggie burgers and avoid beef. But I am sure we can use your tips next time we grill our turkey burgers. Have a terrific day!
Jessica says
I watched a cooking show once about grilling that said the biggest mistake that people make is they don’t salt enough or early enough. It should be done at least 30 minutes ahead of time so it has a chance to work through the meat. Best tip I ever got.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
I had no idea you should dimple the burger before cooking but it makes all the difference. I love learning new tips!
Michelle F. says
Those burgers look amazing! There is nothing like charcoal grilled burgers.
Rosey says
I knew most of these. I did NOT know about packing the meat loosely. Very good to know & I’ll keep it in mind the next time I’m grilling burgers. 🙂
Theresa says
It always irks me when I see people press on their burgers on the grill. I always want to scream they are letting the juices, which are the best part!, out! Thanks for the tip about the dimpling. I am going to do that from now on!
Touristmeetstraveler says
I never knew about sticking your thumb in the middle of it to make sure it cooks evenly, that’s amazing!
Angela S says
Aha! I didn’t know that dimple trick. I will definitely give that a try the next time I grill burgers.
Audrey at Barking Mad! says
I never knew the thing about not packing the burger tightly because that would make the meat tougher, but it makes total sense. I had heard about the dimple in the middle before but always forget. We’re grilling this weekend and definitely going to remember to NOT pack the burgers like we normally do and once and for all remember that little dimple!
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
Great tips! I am so ready for burger and grilling season.
Ashley M says
I learned that tip for indenting the middle about a year ago and it’s always worked like a charm!
Lavende says
I always hesitate over the fat content of the meat when I’m shopping…your vote for 80% is taken to heart! 🙂
Ronda Ogilvie says
The dimple in the burger…Great tip!!
Jessica @EatSleepBe says
I don’t even eat red meat and that burger looked amazing to me!!! I will no longer press down on the meat while the burgers are cooking, because apparently I do that too often.
Patty says
I use a mix of meats in my burgers and I actually make my own buns.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I cheat and make my burgers on my George Foreman Grill. And Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. And they are delicious!!
Louida says
I love cooking burgers, especially on the grill! OMG your burgers looks so yummy, I’m coming over your house for dinner Liz!
Mitch says
I love a well cooked burger. I try so hard to do it in a pan at home, but I never get consistency. I wish I had property and a grill!
thanks,
mItch
Debra says
Now I am ready for lunch at 10 AM! great tips!
Diane N - Philzendia says
Great tips, especially since it’s grilling since! I think I’ve only been to TGIF once in my life, but I did see one in my area. I may have to pop in to try out that Jack Daniels burger.
JamericanSpice says
So everytime I read part of this coming down , I’m like ” Oooh, Oh my, kill me why don’t you? …” lol
Just so yummy!
These are great.
If I had a grill I’d be bookmarking this!
Ronnie says
That patty looks amazing in every single picture.. so does the bun.. I want a crunchy bite. I have never done the pressing down dimple – it’s quite brilliant!
Alexis AKA MOM says
OHHH good tips thanks my dear!!
Christine Luken says
I didn’t know that you shouldn’t press down on the burgers when you cook them! I guess I need to stop that! 😉
Jen V says
Great tip to make a dimple in the burger. I didn’t know that. I can’t seem to make a perfect burger on the grill. The outside is usually overcooked by the time the middle is no longer pink. So I appreciate your tips.
Lois Alter Mark says
There is nothing like a good burger! Thanks for these tips — I always press down on the meat when I’m grilling it. No more!
Lisa says
These are great tips! We are looking for a new barbeque and I suggested charcoal to my husband but he won’t go for it. Do you find your food gets a better taste from using charcoal over gas?
Emily Ploch says
Funny, I just learned about the dimple last night! I love love love grilling burgers. And charcoal is better than propane, it just tastes better cooked on charcoal! Best smell ever!
Tammy says
One word girlfriend – propane. <– LOL charcoal is just messy 😉 But really I had no clue you were supposed to dimple your burgers..gonna have to try that next time we grill!
Kungphoo says
I never knew about dimple.. That is good to know since we bbq allot of fresh burgers during the summer.
diane says
We are burger snobs…so we do everything we can to make it perfect. Or, are happy to leave it to experts on occasion too! Yummy post!
Ruth Zankich says
I didn’t know about the dimple! Thanks for the great tip!
Savannah miller says
When my burger is still in the ground meat stage I like to mix small piece of bacon and shredded cheese to it 🙂
Kathleen says
Best tip ever is to not smash the burger down! If you’ve been doing it, changing that habit is tricky but it’s SO worth it!
Paula Parker says
Great tips. Yes, definitely do not over handle the meat. I never dimple the burger. Will have to try. Thanks for the heads up.
Kay Adeola says
These are some great tips,My hubby is the best cook in this house and he makes some really good food.
Christine from Cook the Story says
These are awesome tips, thank you!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
Oh I didn’t know about the dimple trick. I’ll be trying that later this week when we do burgers!
Debi says
I am a squisher. I don’t mean to but I do that to the burgers.
janelle says
I am a huge fan of grilled anything, and burgers are a weakness. great tips
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I saw on a cooking show once to only flip the burgers once, so that is what we do now, I am not sure exactly what the purpose of it is, but that is what we do LOL. Love your tips.
brian miller says
nice trick on dimpling the burger
and on holding the spice til your burger is ready
gosh you do have a smart guy there. ha