How to Cook a Hamburger on a Griddle

Making burgers on a griddle is a meal option that can come in handy when you're short of time. It requires little advance preparation, and the meat cooks within a few minutes.

In an interview with LIVESTRONG.com, Lisa Richards, CNC, creator of the Candida Diet, explains how to cook burgers on a griddle. The instructions are the same, whether the patties are pre-formed or you form them yourself.

First, make sure that your surface is lightly coated with some kind of oil or fat, she says. "The healthiest options include oils that are suitable for high-heat cooking, like avocado oil or coconut oil."

Richards recommends a grill temp for burgers of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically medium-high heat. "Remember to preheat before cooking. You can test it by throwing on a few drops of water, which should immediately sizzle and evaporate."

The last step involves placing your burgers on the griddle. "If they are around ¾ of an inch thick, you'll need to cook them for about 4 minutes on one side and 3 minutes on the other. They will be cooked through, and safe to eat. Burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure any potential pathogens have been killed or reduced to a safe level," she notes.

Read more: How to Grill the Perfect Burger, According to a Chef

People often want to know how to flavor burgers. "When seasoning, remember to consider the sodium and gluten content of spice products. These are two pro-inflammatory ingredients that can quickly make your burgers unhealthy before they have even been cooked. Use salt in moderation, and also consider using natural herbs and spices such as garlic, thyme, paprika, cilantro, pepper and lemons," Richards states.

What is the secret to keeping hamburger patties thin? "Bread crumbs, whole wheat or eggs are ingredients that can add stability to your burgers and keep them thin without falling apart while cooking. Also, consider preparing them the day before, and leaving them in the refrigerator to firm up," she says.

Burgers can be cooked on an in-home griddle, on the counter, or on an outdoor grill with a griddle attachment. "When cooking burgers on a griddle, it's important to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, because the entire patty is exposed to direct and consistent heat," Richards cautions.

If you don't have a griddle, a cast-iron skillet will work. Hamburger-cast-iron-skillet recipes call for cooking the meat a few minutes on each side, until it reaches the desired degree of doneness.

Read more: The Best Way to Grill a Frozen Burger

The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises shoppers in supermarkets to choose a ground beef package that isn't torn, and which is cool to the touch. Put it in a plastic bag to prevent any juices from dripping on any other food you're purchasing. It should be one of the last items you pick up before heading to the checkout counter. After leaving the store, either drive home immediately or put the meat in a cooler with ice.

Hamburger will stay good in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days, if the temperature is at, or below, 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To help it keep in the freezer longer, wrap it in aluminum foil or heavy-duty plastic wrap.

Another option is putting it in a bag designed for freezing. It will keep well in the freezer for three to four months, says FoodSafety.gov.

Some health risks are associated with eating red meat like hamburger regularly, reports the Mayo Clinic. While it's not necessary to stop eating it completely, most of your diet should come from fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. Poultry and fish are healthier alternatives to red meat.