How to Cook Frozen Burgers to Perfection on a Charcoal Grill

ByJennifer Lucks

How Long to Cook Frozen Burgers on a Charcoal Grill

There’s nothing quite like a juicy, grilled burger on a hot summer day. But if you’re short on time, you may be wondering if you can cook frozen burgers on a charcoal grill. The good news is, you can! With a few simple tips, you can have delicious grilled burgers in no time.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to cook frozen burgers on a charcoal grill, as well as some tips for grilling them perfectly. We’ll also provide a recipe for mouth-watering charcoal grilled burgers that you’re sure to love.

Temperature Time Notes
Medium-high heat 5-7 minutes per side Flip burgers halfway through cooking.
High heat 4-5 minutes per side Flip burgers only once.
Low heat 7-8 minutes per side Flip burgers twice.

Choosing the Right Charcoal Grill

When choosing a charcoal grill, there are a few factors to consider.

  • Types of charcoal grills: There are three main types of charcoal grills:
  • Kamado grills: Kamado grills are dome-shaped grills that are made from ceramic. They are known for their ability to retain heat, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking and smoking meats.
  • Offset smokers: Offset smokers are charcoal grills that have a separate firebox and cooking chamber. This design allows for indirect heat cooking, which is ideal for smoking meats.
  • Traditional charcoal grills: Traditional charcoal grills are the most common type of charcoal grill. They are typically made from metal and have a single firebox.
  • Choosing the right size grill: The size of the grill you need will depend on the number of people you will be cooking for. A general rule of thumb is to allow for 3 square inches of grilling surface per person.
  • Preparing the grill: Before you can start grilling, you need to prepare the grill. This involves:
  • Charcoal: You will need to light the charcoal in the firebox. You can do this by using a chimney starter or by placing the charcoal in a pile and lighting it with a match or lighter.
  • Grill grate: Once the charcoal is lit, you need to place the grill grate over the firebox. The grill grate should be hot before you start cooking.

Preparing the Frozen Burgers

Before you can cook the frozen burgers, you need to prepare them. This involves:

  • Thawing the burgers: If the burgers are frozen solid, you will need to thaw them before cooking. You can thaw the burgers in the refrigerator, in the microwave, or under cold running water.
  • Seasoning the burgers: Once the burgers are thawed, you need to season them. You can season the burgers with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder.

Cooking the Frozen Burgers

Now that you have prepared the grill and the burgers, you can start cooking.

  • Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  • Place the burgers on the grill: Place the burgers on the grill grate, leaving about 1 inch of space between each burger.
  • Cook the burgers: Cook the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired doneness.
  • Serve the burgers: Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and ketchup.

Cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. By following these tips, you can cook perfect burgers every time.

Additional tips:

  • If you are using a kamado grill, you can use the snake method to cook the burgers. This method involves creating a snake-like pattern of charcoal in the firebox. The burgers are then placed on the grill grate over the charcoal snake. This method allows for indirect heat cooking, which is ideal for smoking meats.
  • If you are using an offset smoker, you can use the 3-2-1 method to cook the burgers. This method involves smoking the burgers for 3 hours, then grilling them for 2 minutes per side, and then smoking them for another hour. This method produces juicy and flavorful burgers.
  • When cooking frozen burgers, it is important to cook them until they are cooked through. The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To check the internal temperature of the burgers, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger and take the reading. The reading should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you are not sure if the burgers are cooked through, you can cut them open and check the color of the meat. The meat should be browned on the outside and pink on the inside.

How Long To Cook Frozen Burgers On Charcoal Grill?

Cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. Here are the steps on how to cook frozen burgers on a charcoal grill:

1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. Place the frozen burgers on the grill.
3. Cook the burgers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
4. Check the burgers for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the burger. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Here are some tips for cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the burgers are cooked through.
  • Don’t overcook the burgers, as this will make them dry and tough.
  • Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute.
  • Serve the burgers with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and bacon.

Grilling the Frozen Burgers

When grilling frozen burgers, it is important to cook them over medium heat. This will help to prevent the burgers from burning on the outside before they are cooked through on the inside.

To grill the burgers, place them on the grill grates and cook them for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. You can check the burgers for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the burger. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also important to let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to redistribute the juices and make the burgers more flavorful.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the center of the burger and take a reading. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also check for doneness by pressing on the burger with your finger. If the burger is firm and springy, it is done. If the burger is soft and mushy, it is not done.

Serving the Frozen Burgers

Once the burgers are cooked, it is time to serve them. You can serve them on buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and bacon.

You can also serve the burgers with a side of fries, potato salad, or coleslaw.

Here are some additional tips for serving frozen burgers:

  • Serve the burgers hot off the grill.
  • Garnish the burgers with your favorite toppings.
  • Serve the burgers with a side of your favorite sides.

Cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. By following these steps, you can cook perfect burgers every time.

How long do I cook frozen burgers on a charcoal grill?

The cooking time for frozen burgers on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the temperature of the grill. However, as a general rule, you should cook frozen burgers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I set my charcoal grill for?

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the burgers are cooked evenly and that they do not become overcooked.

How do I prevent frozen burgers from sticking to the grill?

To prevent frozen burgers from sticking to the grill, you can lightly oil the grill grates before cooking. You can also use a grilling spray or a non-stick cooking spray.

What should I do if my frozen burgers are still frozen in the middle?

If your frozen burgers are still frozen in the middle, you can continue to cook them for a few more minutes. However, be careful not to overcook them, as this will dry them out.

How can I tell if my frozen burgers are cooked through?

The best way to tell if your frozen burgers are cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of a cooked burger should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for grilling frozen burgers?

Here are a few tips for grilling frozen burgers:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers.
  • Cook the burgers over medium heat to prevent them from burning.
  • Flip the burgers only once to avoid overcooking them.
  • Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

What are some common mistakes people make when grilling frozen burgers?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling frozen burgers:

  • Cooking the burgers at too high of a temperature.
  • Not flipping the burgers enough.
  • Overcooking the burgers.
  • Not letting the burgers rest before serving.

By following these tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and grill delicious, juicy frozen burgers every time.

cooking frozen burgers on a charcoal grill is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can be sure to cook your burgers to perfection every time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to grill burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to your desired doneness. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and start cooking!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.