This Foolproof Method Promises Perfect Grilled Burgers Every Single Time

There is nothing, in my opinion, more synonymous with summertime than whipping up some juicy burgers on the grill and enjoying them with your closest friends and family. If you’re the one doing the grilling, chances are you’re making everyone’s summer experience a whole lot better. That kind of responsibility, however, can put any grill master in a somewhat tough position. When the vibes are high and everyone is having a good time, the last thing you want to happen is for someone to be disappointed in their burger.

While we all have our methods that we prefer to use when preparing our beloved beef patties, everyone’s favorite TikTok grandmother and cookbook author, Babs, took the time in a recent post to show off her foolproof method for making the perfect burger every time. And I’ve got to say, it’s a pretty solid method that I’ll definitely be trying out for myself. 

Using an 80/20 meat blend to ensure extra fat flavoring, toss your beef in a bowl and add salt, pepper, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Dip your hands briefly in water, then, using your wet hands, gently mix the seasoning into the meat. Try not to over-mix or else the burgers will turn out tough. When ready, separate the meat into 1/3-pound balls and place on a plate. Wet your thumb with water and press a thumbprint into the center of each patty — this will keep the burger from puffing up in the middle during the grilling process.  

Move on over to the grill and make sure it has been set to high heat, as well as had some time to get to the proper temperature. Place your burgers on the grill and close the lid, turning the heat down to medium. After the first side has had time to cook, flip once, and make sure not to press down with the spatula — you want to keep all the precious and tasty juices inside the burger. Depending on how well you like your burgers cooked, remove from heat when ready and move on to the assembly of the burger. Lightly toast and butter some brioche buns; add the burger patty; and garnish with lettuce, tomato, onion, and ketchup.  

Babs claims her method will consistently deliver great-tasting burgers every time, and the best part is that you can still alter her instructions to suit your specific burger tastes. As long as you’re enjoying yourself and your guests are happy and with full bellies, you’ve succeeded. 

If your eyes have now caused your stomach to grumble, check out this method for making the perfect traditional cheeseburger from the hit movie The Menu. And if you’ve got a vegetarian in the family, these plant-based burger patties will surprise any meat eater with how delicious they are.