Randy Chandler
Whether or not to cover your burger with a lid while cooking depends on a few factors. If you're cooking on a stovetop, a splatter guard is recommended to prevent grease from escaping the pan. If you're adding cheese to your burger, covering the pan with a lid can help to melt the cheese faster. However, leaving the lid off the pan will give your burger a crustier char. If you're grilling your burger, you can leave the lid off for quick-cooking foods, but thicker cuts of meat will require the lid to be closed to ensure thorough cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Covering the lid when cooking burgers without cheese | It is recommended to not cover the lid when cooking burgers without cheese as it may steam the burgers instead of frying them. |
| Covering the lid when cooking cheeseburgers | Covering the lid when cooking cheeseburgers helps melt the cheese faster. |
| Type of lid to use | A splatter guard is recommended as it allows airflow. |
| Alternative to using a lid | A toaster oven can be used to cook burgers without creating a mess. |
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What You'll Learn
Covering the pan when cooking cheeseburgers
Cooking cheeseburgers on a stovetop is a quick and easy method that yields juicy results. When it comes to covering the pan during this process, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, a splatter guard is recommended by some to prevent grease from escaping the pan and soiling the kitchen. This is especially useful when cooking at high heat, which is necessary to achieve a good sear on the burger.
If you are cooking cheeseburgers, the decision to cover the pan depends on the type of cheese you are using. For harder cheeses like cheddar, covering the pan with a lid, dome, or bowl can help to melt the cheese by trapping the heat and radiating it back onto the food. This is particularly useful if you are using a grill or griddle, as these can take longer to melt the cheese, potentially resulting in an overcooked burger. However, covering the pan can lead to the burger being steamed instead of fried, so it is important to only cover the pan towards the end of the cooking process, after flipping the burger and adding the cheese.
If you are using a softer cheese, such as American, you may not need to cover the pan to melt the cheese. In this case, simply removing the pan from the heat and allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese should be sufficient.
It is worth noting that some people prefer to cook burgers with the lid off to achieve a crustier char on the meat. Additionally, if you are cooking in an oven, you can bake the burgers without a lid, although this may result in a less desirable sear.
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Using a splatter guard
There are various types of splatter guards available, from cheap, lightweight screens to heavier, more durable options. When choosing a splatter guard, consider the weight and stability of the guard. A heavier splatter guard will stay put on the pan better and create a better seal between the pan and the screen. Some splatter guards, such as the Le Creuset Splatter Guard, have features like a silicone gasket edging that improves the seal and stability, as well as a foldable handle for easy storage.
You can also make your own splatter guard using a piece of metal or foil with holes drilled or poked through it. This allows you to control the size and placement of the holes, optimising the balance between airflow and grease containment.
When using a splatter guard, it is still important to maintain proper ventilation in the kitchen. Lowering the cooking temperature can also help to reduce splattering and smoking.
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Cooking burgers in the oven
There are several benefits to cooking burgers in the oven instead of on the stovetop. Firstly, it keeps your hands free and your stovetop clean, as you don't need to flip the patties or worry about grease splattering everywhere. It's also a quick, easy, and convenient method that results in sizzling, juicy, and perfectly cooked burgers every time.
To cook burgers in the oven, preheat your oven to between 375°F and 450°F (230°C). If you want a nice brown crust, you can fry the burgers briefly on both sides before putting them in the oven, or you can salt them on both sides and bake them without frying. You can also brush the patties with butter or oil to keep them moist.
Place the patties on a baking sheet or a cooling rack set inside a cookie sheet. If you want to prevent grease splatter and keep the burgers moist, you can wrap each patty in foil before placing them on the sheet. Bake the burgers for 10-25 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the patties. If you're making cheeseburgers, add the cheese after flipping the burgers, or during the last two minutes of cooking time.
Once the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to toasted buns and add your favorite toppings. You can also wrap the assembled cheeseburger in foil and place it back in the oven for 3-4 minutes to soften the bun.
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Cooking burgers on a grill
Preparing the Meat
Start by placing ground chuck in a medium-size mixing bowl and sprinkling it with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favourite burger seasoning blend. Gently mix the meat with your hands to combine the seasonings, but be careful not to overwork it. Divide the meat into equal portions, depending on the number of burgers you want to make.
Shaping the Patties
Take one portion of the seasoned meat and gently press it into a patty. The ideal thickness of the patty is around 1 inch, and it should have craggy edges. With your thumb or fingers, create a "moat" by pressing around the circumference of the burger, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the edge. Ensure that the edge of the burger is slightly higher than the indentation.
Grilling the Burgers
When grilling burgers, whether on a gas or charcoal grill, it is recommended to leave the lid open. This will give your burgers a crustier char without overcooking them. Place the patties on the grill and cook until they are nicely seared and browned halfway up the sides. Then, use a spatula to carefully flip the burgers and cook them to your desired doneness.
Adding Cheese (Optional)
If you are making cheeseburgers, the best time to add the cheese is right after you flip the burgers. Place a slice of cheese, such as American or cheddar, on top of each burger. If the cheese is not melting fast enough, you can close the grill lid to trap the heat and help the cheese melt. However, be cautious not to leave the lid closed for too long, as it may overcook your burgers.
Finishing Touches
Once your burgers are cooked to your liking, transfer them to toasted buns and add your favourite toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, or pickles. Enjoy your delicious grilled burgers!
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Cooking burgers without a lid
To cook burgers without a lid, heat a large skillet or flat pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving some space between each patty. The patties should sizzle when they hit the pan. Cook the burgers until they are nicely seared and have browned halfway up the sides. You should see a dark brown sear on the underside. If not, increase the heat.
Once the burgers are seared, flip them and season the other side generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or to your desired doneness. If the burger falls apart when you flip it, simply press the edges together—your burger will still taste great!
If you are adding cheese, remove the pan from the heat and place a slice of cheese on top of each burger. Cover the skillet and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese. If you are not adding cheese, simply serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to cover your burger with a lid while cooking it on the stovetop as it may end up steaming the burger instead of frying it.
To prevent grease from splattering everywhere, you can use a splatter guard, which still allows airflow, or bake the burgers in the oven.
To cook burgers on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook until browned halfway up the sides. Flip the burgers, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to your preferred doneness.
To get a good sear on your burgers, cook them over medium-high heat in a flat pan. The patties should sizzle when they hit the pan, and when you flip them, you should see a dark golden-brown sear on the underside.
