The Secret Tip for How to Grill a Hamburger That's Juicy and Flavorful

The best hamburgers are flavorful and juicy—whether you grill 'em, broil 'em or sear 'em in a skillet. But calculation salt to the hamburger mix, even a small corporeality, will cause the meat to form a texture similar to sausage. (That'south no bueno for burgers.) Here's why:

The Odd Human relationship Betwixt Table salt & Burgers

Table salt is especially adept at dissolving protein, so when it's mixed in with the meat and other seasonings, it volition break down hamburger before the patty even hits the grill. Exam Kitchen skillful James Schend painted a picture of what happens when you salt in accelerate: "What yous finish upwards with is a very tightly compacted patty whose texture is similar to sausage. Think about when you seize with teeth into a sausage—that firm, almost rubbery texture is perfect for links, but is that the texture you want in your burger?"

Yikes! The most perfectly cooked burgers should be moist and tender, definitely non rubbery. That's not to say yous should skip the common salt altogether, though. Class the burgers and add salt correct before putting 'em on the heat. (Schend suggests using Kosher table salt, because the larger crystals will assistance you see how much you've added and prevent over-salting.)

Don't miss 8 more mistakes we're all making with our hamburgers!

Male monarch Burgers

My husband and I like to brand upwards recipes together. The sauce for this juicy burger tastes even meliorate when it has been refrigerated overnight. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, Michigan

BBQ Yumburgers

If you summit them with extra barbecue sauce, you go both onions and sauce within and out of these burgers. My husband loves to add cheese, likewise. —Donna Hoye, Whitmore Lake, Michigan

Spicy Cajun Salsa Burgers

Utilize a few on-hand seasonings similar Creole, cherry-red pepper flakes and garlic pulverisation to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, Indiana

Garlic-Herb Salmon Sliders

The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are simply unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Drupe, White Salmon, Washington

Basil Burgers with Dominicus-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise

I often end up with a bumper crop of herbs—and here'south one of my favorite basil recipes. These burgers characteristic great Italian flavor. The gooey, cheesy centers and scrumptious topping are irresistible. —Virginia Kochis, Springfield, Virginia

Unstuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers

This sassy, grown-up burger has a little bit of bite and a whole lot of flavour! Our gustation console couldn't stop eating this knife-and-fork sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Loaded Turkey Sliders

What these sliders lack in size they make up for in season! They're great for little hands and you tin customize the toppings to adjust kids' tastes. Serve them as an appetizer or as a principal dish forth with sweetness potato fries and fresh fruit. —Kathy DeRousie, Port Angeles, Washington

Southwestern Backyard Burgers

Whether y'all're in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Southwestern-style burgers are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I similar my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California

Mushroom-Stuffed Cheeseburgers

No need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Become alee of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

Barbecued Burgers

I tin can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband'southward uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to effort it on, and in, burgers. Add together cheese and bacon to accept them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

Makeover Turkey Burgers with Peach Mayo

The unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the superlative. You tin also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Corn & Blue Burgers

Have one all-American patty and load it upwardly Iowa-fashion with fresh corn, Maytag blue cheese and pickle relish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers

Turkey burgers have their fans, simply nosotros prefer feta burgers with ground beefiness and spinach. We serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola

On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into basis beef patties, so topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri

Barley Beefiness Burgers

Barley adds another dimension to an sometime-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really bask these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed correct in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan

Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw

I thought I'd made salmon every way you can make it—until now. The tangy slaw, fabricated with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavour that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Whiskey Cheddar Burgers

This juicy cheeseburger has big flavors to satisfy fifty-fifty the heartiest appetites. It always impresses at our cookouts. —Amber Nicholson, Winooski, Vermont

Blackness Bean Chip & Dip Burgers

I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or actually boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They sense of taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

This recipe always brings dorsum memories of my mom's bootleg sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. I've prepared the burgers with ground beef and ground turkey. Either way, they're fast and taste neat! —Sammy Staab, Pensacola, Florida

Burger Americana

Become on a burger route trip in your ain backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-loftier with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York

Large Brisket Burgers

Take i all-American patty and load it upwardly Texas-style with brisket on Texas toast. —Gustatory modality of Dwelling Test Kitchen

Turkey Burgers with Mango Salsa

This cookout recipe ever has everyone talking. The secret is mixing a creamy, spreadable cheese into the turkey patties. It gives them lots of flavor without overpowering the burger. —Nancee Melin, Tucson, Arizona

Feta Mushroom Burgers

I got this recipe from my son-in-police force and I tweaked it to arrive healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on decorated nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan

Grilled Ground Turkey Burgers

These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. Nosotros especially similar to grill this turkey burger recipe, but you could likewise pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida

Chili-Cheese Burgers

Instead of topping my burgers with cheese, I similar to shred it and mix it into the meat when shaping the patties. This mode, I'm sure to get a little cheesy goodness in every bite. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Eggs Benedict Burgers

To feed my daughter's hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge striking! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona

Green Chili Burgers

Take one all-American patty and load it upwardly New Mexico-style with smoky cheese and chopped green chilies. —Taste of Home Exam Kitchen

Sugariness & Spicy Fusion Burgers

These burgers combine some of my favorite flavors and textures, plus you can practise most of the work alee of time. Y'all'll find naan, an Indian flatbread, in the international or bread section of your grocery store. —Jamie Chocolate-brown-Miller, Napa, California

Greek-Style Chicken Burgers

The original recipe for these burgers called for lamb or beef, but I decided to try basis chicken to decrease the fat. The sauce easily doubles equally a flavorful dip for veggies and pita chips. —Judy Puskas, Wallaceburg, Ontario

Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Tired of the same onetime basis beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, volition wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Thai Turkey Burgers

When we're tired of everyday burgers, I make these turkey patties for a gustatory modality of Thailand. The slaw is a fun switch from the traditional burger garnishes. —Shelby Goddard, Billy Rouge, Louisiana

Open up-Face Chicken Parmesan Burgers

We dear chicken Parmesan and idea, "Why non get in a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan

Philly Burger

The cream cheese mixture and crunchy french-fried onions make this burger recipe a cookout awareness. Serve them with fresh potato salad and a fruit salad, and dinner is done! —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado

Cheddar Chili Burgers

Big, assuming chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the archetype burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to gather, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona

What Nearly Other Foods?

You probably throw more than burgers on the grill—so what happens to other foods when they "meat" salt? Schend has some more insight:

• Hot Dogs: Going all-out for your next charcoal-broil with bootleg hot dogs? Schend recommends salting the meat before stuffing them into their casings; you'll need the firm texture salt provides and then your dogs concur their shape.
• Whole Cuts of Meat: For steak or roast, you might want to use a brine (three cups of h2o, a quarter loving cup of salt and a quarter loving cup of sugar). Allow it rest about one hour for 2 pounds of meat. Earlier cooking, pat the meat dry.
• Other Ground Meats: "Whether information technology's ground poultry or pork, the proteins volition all commencement to dissolve and stick to itself [when salted], forming that sausage-like texture," Schend says. (Information technology will stick to your grill grates, too.)
• Vegetables: You're good to add salt and seasoning as you please when it comes to grilling veggies. It won't alter their texture!

Serve Burgers with These Grillable Sides

Taste of Home

Chip-Crusted Grilled Corn

For my version of Mexican street corn, I scroll the ears in crushed fries. For actress pizzazz, try dissimilar chip flavors similar ranch dressing and jalapeno. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado Get Recipe

Grilled Potato Fans with Onions

Looking for the ultimate grilled tater? These seasoned potato "fans" are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington

Blimp Grilled Zucchini

Pair these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish or other grilled greats. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court Business firm, New Bailiwick of jersey

Grilled Cabbage

The outset time I made this, I couldn't believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I'd skip dessert considering I was full from likewise much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

My hubby and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful repast. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas

Grilled Pattypans

Only a few minutes and a handful of ingredients are all you'll need for this scrumptious side dish. Hoisin sauce and rice wine vinegar give grilled pattypans Asian flair. —Gustation of Abode Examination Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers

Filled with corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon, these grilled pepper halves are sure to liven up your next cookout. They have a wonderful gustation and give a fun twist to the usual corn on the cob. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Herbed Butternut Squash

This is just one of many means I prepare butternut squash for my two girls. Information technology's a winter staple in our house. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Cedar-Plank Stuffed Portobellos

When we were newlyweds, my father-in-constabulary made the states stuffed portobello mushrooms. I've tweaked the recipe for our tastes. I like to serve it with salad and potato wedges. —Katie Stemp, Tacoma, Washington

Grilled Peppers and Zucchini

This versatile side dish is so simple and quick that I had to share it. Grilling the colorful veggies in a foil parcel means i less dish to wash, but I sometimes stir-friy the mixture on the stovetop. —Karen Anderson, Off-white Oaks, California

Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Parsley and Chives

We use seasonings like adobo, Sazon, fresh parsley and minced chives when we grill potatoes. We have even smoked the potatoes in our portable smoker before grilling. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Grilled Green Beans

I melt well-nigh everything outdoors, including green beans. I fix this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Ballad Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania

Like shooting fish in a barrel Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Grilling corn in the husks is and then easy. There's no demand to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add together your favorite flavored butter. —Sense of taste of Home Exam Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lemon-Parmesan Broiled Asparagus

These special spears are packed with season, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing they're tossed in before roasting. It'southward a uncomplicated, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Repak, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Grilled Zucchini with Onions

Wondering what to practise with all of your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little oestrus with this healthy side. It'southward also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California

Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds corking smoky flavour. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Grilled Mushroom Kabobs

Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just plenty tanginess to the savory side. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola Spread

My husband get-go tried this recipe with plain potatoes. They were and then yummy; we experimented with sweet potatoes. Dipped in Gorgonzola spread, they're irresistible. —Kristen Minello, Macomb, Michigan

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

One of the best things virtually summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its flossy dressing, crunchy panko blanket and spicy jalapeno kicking. If yous're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a scrap of cooked and crumbled salary! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Grilled Veggies with Antic Butter

We savor the tart, peppery taste of capers. No i likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, Due north Carolina

Grilled Hash Browns

Since my husband and I honey to grill meats, we're always looking for like shooting fish in a barrel side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana

Creamy Grilled Potato Salad

To avoid turning my oven on in the summertime, I grill just about everything—including this flossy potato salad. My friends have dubbed this 'The All-time Spud Salad You'll Ever Put in Your Mouth!"—and I love that!" —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

I drip whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it piece of cake to turn them equally they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

This side goes well with whatever meat you lot might also be grilling. Cheers to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Roasting fresh-picked corn is as old every bit the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Granddad Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it's a favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, Texas

Grilled Loaded White potato Rounds

My go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks is an awesome tater side. I prep everything beforehand, and so get together and grill at the party. Serve with sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

During a beach vacation, in an try to melt our unabridged meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-uncomplicated veggie option into a uncomplicated grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, flavor with ruddy pepper flakes —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York

Spicy Grilled Broccoli

My kids eat this spiced broccoli without cheese; it'south that good. Information technology transports easily to the beach, the park or tailgate parties and as well works on an indoor grill. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Bound Valley, California

Grilled Herb Potatoes

Every yr my father and I plant a garden together. Later an especially great growing season, we had plenty of produce to eat! We like to employ fresh herbs from our garden but dry out is just as tasty in this dish. —Bernadette Bennett, Waco, Texas

Grilled Mango & Avocado Salad

A big hit with my family, this light salad is so easy to make! The good for you choice of mango and avocado is simply the best combination y'all could serve. —Amy Liesemeyer, Tucson, Arizona

Grilled Vegetable Platter

The all-time of summer in ane dish! This pretty grilled vegetable recipe is meant for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade actually kicks up the grilled vegetables' flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Vegetables that are in season make groovy additions to this orzo salad. It's the perfect side dish for a picnic, it can easily exist doubled for a crowd, or you can add grilled chicken to make it a filling entree. —Danielle Miller, Westfield, Indiana

Contest-Winning Grilled Mushrooms

Grilled mushrooms always gustation adept, but this easy recipe makes them taste even more than fantastic. As the female parent of ii children, I beloved to melt entire meals on the grill. It'due south fun spending fourth dimension outdoors with the kids. —Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa

Rice on the Grill

My husband loves to barbecue, so when it'southward hot outside, we practise entire meals on the grill. Since our kids love rice, we ofttimes include this tangy side dish as part of the menu. —Shirley Hopkins, Olds, Alberta

Herbed Grilled Corn on the Cob

I'd never grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served information technology for u.s.a.. What a treat! So elementary, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summertime bill of fare. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Pesto-Corn Grilled Peppers

We grill almost daily and enjoy using fresh produce from our garden. These pepper halves filled with a basil-seasoned corn mixture is my husband's favorite recipe. —Rachael Marrier, Star Prairie, Wisconsin

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the pick is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears tin can exist rolled in flaked kokosnoot before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Peppers

Whenever I put out a plate of these beautiful little appetizers, people come flocking. Skilful affair there are lots of peppers in each purse. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado

Grilled Sweet Irish potato Wedges

I dearest when an unabridged meal can be cooked outside on the grill and I don't need to heat up the kitchen. These grilled sweetness potatoes meet that requirement and are healthy, as well! —Natalie Knowlton, Kamas, Utah

Grilled Summer Squash

Grilling food in foil packets creates steam and so food cooks in its own juices, which makes the contents flavorful and lower in fat. Best of all: no cleanup! —Lisa Finnegan, Forked River, New Jersey

Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette

I make this healthy and inviting side dish whenever friends come up over for a cookout. The honeyed vinaigrette lets the veggies polish. —Shelly Graver, Lansdale, Pennsylvania

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

This salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex repast, and most of it tin fifty-fifty be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Grilled Potatoes with Bacon-Ranch Sauce

These potatoes are tender and good all past themselves, but pairing them with the sauce creates a perfect combination—a side dish compatible with any entree cooked on the grill. —Craig Carpenter, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

Grilled Corn Medley

Who knew a shop-bought dressing could add so much flavor? This medley tastes delightful with garden-fresh veggies. Experience gratuitous to sub in your favorites and let the grill and the dressing do the residue! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Corn 'n' Squash Quesadillas

Grilled vegetables requite these quesadillas their distinctive flair, while cumin and jalapeno peppers add a little nil. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Farmers Market place Orzo Salad

Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped similar rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, N Carolina

Grilled Potato Skins

It's easy to love these succulent appetizers. They're squeamish to serve outside when you lot invite friends over for a grilled repast. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only improve! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Lime and Sesame Grilled Eggplant

When I lived in Greece, I fell in dearest with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me recollect Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, N Carolina

Grilled Cauliflower Wedges

This side is incredibly piece of cake, however is packed with flavour and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add seize with teeth. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California

Grilled Potatoes & Peppers

My husband, Matt, grills this recipe for both breakfast and dinner gatherings. Besides the visitor, the potatoes are one of the best parts! —Susan Nordin, Warren, Pennsylvania

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