Frequent question: Why do hamburgers shrink on the grill?

How do you keep burgers from shrinking on the grill?

Quick tips to prevent shrinkage when cooking burgers:

1. Choose leaner meats with no added water.
2. Cook it slow, on a low temperature.
3. If you’re cooking burgers on the grill, don’t close the lid. …
4. Form the patties wider than you’d like them to be, and create a small dimple in the center by pressing down with your fingers.

Do burgers shrink on the grill?

Generally, burgers shrink on the grill when they are made from very lean meat cooked on high heat for too long. … Generally, burgers shrink on the grill when they are made from very lean meat cooked on high heat for too long.

Why do my burgers ball up?

The basic theory is that as meat cooks, the proteins contract so that the whole patty shrinks and puffs up in the middle. Making a kind of indentation or dimple in the middle counteracts that effect so you end up with a nice, even patty.

Should you add eggs to burgers?

If you’re making your own hamburger patties, adding egg to hamburger meat can help hold the meat together for easier cooking. Without the proper binder, the burgers may fall apart in the pan or on the grill.

How do I keep my 80/20 burgers from shrinking?

Pressing a shallow “dimple” in the patty is the best way to avoid shrinking and domed burgers. Use your fingers to press down the center of the patty so it’s about a quarter-inch thinner that the outer edge.

What temperature should burgers be grilled at?

How hot should the grill be for burgers? For burgers the optimal grilling temperature rule is – the hotter the better. Heat your grill to medium high heat (between 350-400°F).

How do you keep burgers from puffing up?

Make a thumbprint in the middle of the patty



Using a thumb, make a deep depression in the center of each patty to keep the burger from puffing up and bulging in the center. Otherwise, “It plumps up like a football and people smash it down. That’s the last thing you want to do,” Flay said.

How do you know when burgers are done on the grill?

To see if your burger is ready, just plunge the thermometer into the center of the burger. We suggest putting the thermometer into the side of the burger—that way it’s less likely to go all the way through the meat, and give you a false reading. At 120°F, the burger is rare. At 130°F, it’s medium-rare.