You can "grill" burgers on a hob using a hot, non-stick frying pan (ideally a grill pan) with a little oil. Here's how:
Steps to Grill Burgers on a Hob/Stovetop:
- Prepare Your Burgers: Ensure your burger patties are properly formed and seasoned to your liking.
- Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick frying pan, preferably a grill pan for those desirable grill marks, on your hob. Add a small amount of oil – just enough to lightly coat the surface. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it's hot. A hot pan is key for achieving a good sear.
- Cook the Burgers: Carefully place the burger patties into the hot pan, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and steam the burgers instead of searing them.
- Cooking Time: Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side for a medium burger. For a well-done burger, cook for 8-9 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your burger and the heat of your hob.
- Doneness Check: To ensure the burger is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). According to the NHS Live Well website, it's important to ensure there is no pink meat remaining for safety reasons.
- Rest (Optional): Once cooked, remove the burgers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
Tips for Hob-Grilled Burgers:
- Use High-Quality Ground Meat: The flavor of your burgers will largely depend on the quality of the ground meat.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the burgers in batches if necessary.
- Avoid Pressing the Burgers: Pressing the burgers will squeeze out the juices, resulting in a drier burger.
- Use a Grill Pan (Optional): A grill pan will give your burgers those nice grill marks, adding to the aesthetic appeal.
- Consider Toppings: Get your burger toppings ready while the burgers are cooking.
