Delicious Grilled Hamburgers Recipe

Name: Delicious Grilled Hamburgers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; seasoned salt to taste

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring (optional, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoned salt, to taste

Directions

Gather all the ingredients and have them ready for use.
Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Stir lightly until just mixed. Avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.
With minimal handling, divide the meat mixture into three equal portions and form them into patties.
Brush olive oil on both sides of each patty to keep them moist during grilling, then season them generously with seasoned salt.
Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the center is no longer pink. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (70C).
Once cooked through, remove the patties from the grill and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 396
Total Fat: 30g (38% DV)
Saturated Fat: 10g (48% DV)
Cholesterol: 99mg (33% DV)
Sodium: 220mg (10% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 28g (56% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 21mg (2% DV)
Iron: 3mg (16% DV)
Potassium: 399mg (8% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Delicious Grilled Hamburgers Recipe

History and Origin of Hamburgers

The hamburger, a quintessential American dish, has a somewhat debated history, but it is generally believed to have originated from the German immigrant community in the United States in the late 19th century. Its roots can be traced to Hamburg, Germany, where a minced beef patty, often referred to as "Hamburg steak," was served. These immigrants brought the idea of minced meat to the U.S., where it evolved into the burger we know today. The addition of a bun was likely a practical solution for serving the patty in a portable and convenient manner, especially for working-class Americans in bustling cities.

Regional Variations and Influence

While hamburgers are universally popular, different regions of the U.S. and the world have put their own spin on the classic recipe. For instance, in the South, burgers may be served with a slice of pimento cheese or topped with fried green tomatoes. In California, the "California burger" often includes fresh avocado and sprouts. In contrast, the Midwest has a penchant for heavier, meatier burgers, sometimes made with a mix of beef and pork or bison. These variations reflect regional preferences and local ingredients, making the hamburger a versatile dish.

How is This Recipe Different from Other Hamburger Variations?

This recipe for delicious grilled hamburgers stands out due to the unique addition of liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce, which impart a smoky, savory depth to the patties. Liquid smoke, a concentrated flavoring made from the condensation of wood smoke, is often used in grilling and smoking to add a smoky taste without the need for a smoker. In contrast to more traditional burgers, which may be made simply with salt and pepper, this recipe brings a richer, more aromatic flavor profile, which many burger enthusiasts appreciate. The Worcestershire sauce contributes a tangy, umami punch that further enhances the overall flavor.

Where Are Grilled Hamburgers Typically Served?

Grilled hamburgers are a staple at casual gatherings, particularly during BBQs and cookouts. In the U.S., they are commonly served at backyard gatherings, tailgate parties, and family dinners. Hamburgers are also a popular menu item at fast-food restaurants and diners worldwide. Internationally, the hamburger has transcended its American origins and is now a favorite in various countries, with each adding its own twistwhether it be the addition of spicy salsa in Mexico or the "burger de Paris" served with foie gras in France.

Fun Facts About Hamburgers

The worlds largest hamburger was made in 2017 in the U.S. and weighed over 2,000 pounds!
August 27th is National Burger Day in the United States, a day dedicated to celebrating the beloved hamburger.
While the hamburger's exact birthplace is a matter of debate, many claim that the first burger was served at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where a vendor is said to have sold a "ground beef sandwich."
The most expensive hamburger ever sold, the "Fleurburger 5000," is made with Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffle, and a brioche bun, costing a whopping $5,000!
There are more than 50 billion hamburgers consumed in the U.S. every year, making it one of the most popular fast food items worldwide.

FAQ about Delicious Grilled Hamburgers Recipe

Yes, you can freeze the formed patties before grilling. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook, grill from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Leftover cooked burgers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Make sure to wrap each burger individually or place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even a bit of ketchup mixed with vinegar and sugar to mimic its tangy and savory flavor.

To prevent the burgers from falling apart, avoid over-mixing the meat, as this can cause them to be too dense. Handle the patties gently, and make sure they are not too thick. Additionally, ensure your grill is hot enough to sear the outside of the patty quickly, which will help hold them together.

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for beef in this recipe. However, these meats tend to be leaner, so you may need to add a bit more oil or seasoning to keep the burgers moist and flavorful.

These grilled hamburgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like French fries, potato salad, or coleslaw. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad for a lighter option.

To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional spices such as paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. You can also mix in chopped onions, grated cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meat mixture before forming the patties.

Yes, you can make these burgers without liquid smoke. If you want a smoky flavor, consider grilling them on a charcoal grill or adding smoked paprika or BBQ sauce to the mix for an alternative smoky taste.

To check if your burgers are done, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center of a patty to check for any pinkness—if it’s no longer pink, the burger is ready.

Yes, you can cook these burgers indoors using a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Heat the pan on medium-high heat and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired internal temperature.

Comments

David Hernandez

02/05/2025 12:15:29 AM

The burgers were juicy and flavorful, although I might reduce the amount of liquid smoke next time. It was a bit too strong, but it could be because I'm not used to using it in recipes. Overall, it was a nice departure from the usual grilled burgers. Thank you!

Nathan Clark

12/02/2023 05:26:16 AM

Absolutely delicious burgers! I decided to tweak the recipe by incorporating Paprika, minced garlic, and brushing on some BBQ sauce just before removing them from the grill. Topped them off with cheddar cheese and served with a side of spinach and green beans. The result was mouthwatering - cooking for about 5 minutes on each side produced perfectly well-done burgers, while flipping them a bit sooner ensured a lovely pink center. I will definitely be making these again!

Christine Wright

08/30/2022 10:29:03 PM

Absolutely delicious and a fantastic twist on traditional burgers! I tweaked the recipe slightly. Reduced the liquid smoke by half for a milder flavor. Also, added 1/2 teaspoon of either McCormick's Hamburger seasoning or Montreal Steak spice. Optionally, included 1 egg white for better binding. Skip the olive oil - it's not needed. These adjustments resulted in outstanding burgers! They had a delightful smoky and spicy kick. The feedback from everyone was overwhelmingly positive!

Eric Lopez

12/24/2024 10:03:08 AM

Following recommendations from others, I opted to use only half of the Liquid Smoke. Additionally, I included approximately 1/2 tsp of onion powder and a dash of low-sodium soy sauce. I also seasoned them with garlic pepper and cooked them on the stove. I found that a bun was not needed! It turned out to be a fantastic hamburger steak!!!

David Wilson

12/10/2022 09:36:51 PM

I opted for regular ground beef over lean, and replaced the oil with 1 egg per 1.5 pounds of meat. Instead of liquid smoke, I used a cajun "cowboy" spice, adding around 3/4 tsp per 1.5 pounds of meat. I cooked them on my George Foreman grill, and they turned out fantastic!

Ryan King

10/30/2024 09:52:26 PM

I made these burgers for the men in my family who usually don't say much about food. Surprisingly, they all had something to say and were curious about the ingredients I used in the ground beef. I used half the amount of liquid smoke and skipped the olive oil. They all absolutely enjoyed the burgers!

Robert Diaz

05/23/2024 07:35:33 AM

These were fantastic! Taking the recommendations into account, I reduced the amount of liquid smoke by half and opted for fresh garlic instead of powder. I also topped them with smoked gouda, and they turned out incredibly delicious. I used ground bison sirloin, and I can't wait for warmer weather to grill them over charcoal.

Patricia Diaz

10/05/2024 01:33:22 AM

These grilled hamburgers were absolutely amazing! I followed the recipe closely, but decided to use only half the amount of liquid smoke as recommended by others, and it was a great choice. The hint of smoky flavor was just perfect, not too strong. The burgers turned out incredibly juicy and tender on the grill, which is always a concern of mine. The preparation was easy and they cooked quickly. I will definitely be making these regularly for simple weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs!

Robert Hernandez

10/20/2022 01:34:45 AM

I didn't have liquid smoke, so I substituted sea salt for seasoned salt in this recipe. The burgers turned out fantastic! I topped them with sautéed sliced portobello mushrooms cooked in butter. Absolutely delicious!

Robert Gomez

11/16/2023 03:27:48 PM

These turned out really great, although I did make a couple of errors that I will rectify in my next attempt. I forgot to sprinkle some salt while cooking, so I ended up adding it to the burgers after they were done. Additionally, I incorporated a teaspoon of liquid smoke during the cooking process.

Emily Roberts

07/02/2024 06:10:38 PM

Amazing recipe! We skipped the liquid smoke since we grilled on charcoal. Our grilling time was slightly extended, and we kept the lid on until the final 2 minutes. The beef was juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! It's definitely a recipe worth keeping!

audio version

Cook Time: 35 minutes