3 Steps to Grilling Great Summer Burgers

One of the things I most look forward to during summer is relaxing with family and friends in our backyard and grilling some really good burgers. I recently triedWagyu beef burgers, and let me tell you: They're deliciously juicy and flavorful. Plus, they're individually wrapped, so you can store them in the freezer until you need them.

Here are my quick tips for improving your burger game this summer.

Prep the patties

When I grill burgers, I like to keep the seasoning simple by using only salt and pepper. This is usually enough to enhance the robust natural flavor of the Wagyu beef burgers without overpowering them.

One pro tip: make a small divot in the center of each patty with your thumb. As meat heats, it tends to contract. If you start with a perfectly flat patty, it will pull in toward the center as it cooks, and you'll end up with a football-shaped burger. The divot gives the patty some room to shrink, and you'll be left with an evenly sized burger.

Grilling tips

Regardless of whether you are usingcharcoal or gas, you should grill burgers over direct heat to give them a nice char. For a medium burger, cook a one-third-pound patty for 3 to 4 minutes per side. If you prefer medium-rare (pink in the middle), then shoot for closer to three minutes each side.

If you're not sure how well your burger is cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer. A rare burger will register around 120° F in the direct center of the patty, while 140° F will get you a medium burger, and 160° F will be for one that's well-done.

In the last few minutes while the burgers finish up, place your buns on the grill until they're toasted, about 1 to 2 minutes, to give them a bit of texture.

Tasty toppings

I'm an American cheese fan through and through, but you can use other cheeses as well. I like to add a dollop ofHarry & David Pepper and Onion Relishon top of my cheese. This gives a subtle sweetness and umami to the burger.

I also love to make a quick burger sauce with mayo, mustard, and chopped pickles. The sauce gives the burgers some extra fat and moisture, and the pickles add a bit of sharpness to each bite.

If you're hosting friends or abackyard party, you can also create aburger barwith everyone's favorite fixings.