How to Cook Hamburgers With Aluminum Foil on a Gas Grill
Nothing says summer like a grilled hamburger. Your gas grill is a convenient tool that allows you to prepare a rich and juicy burger that you can serve with your favorite condiments. There are countless ways to season a hamburger to bring out the flavor of the meat and create a taste that pairs well with your side dishes. Many recipes ask you to place the hamburger patties directly on the grill, which can reduce their juiciness and cause them to dry out. Using aluminum foil will help you retain the juice in your burger so each bite is as tasty as the first.
Hamburgers and hot dogs on aluminum foil. (Image: Christina Richards/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2
Make your hamburger patties. Place your 80/20 ground hamburger in a large bowl. The Culinary Institute of America recommends this blend of hamburger because it retains some juice and does not dry out as easily as leaner versions. Season the ground hamburger with salt and pepper. Use clean hands to form the beef into round patties. Place each patty on an individual small square of aluminum foil. Seal each patty in the foil to create a packet.
Step 3
Use a metal spatula to carefully place each hamburger patty packet on the hot grill. Allow the burgers to cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the burger packets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more for a medium burger. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes if you want a well-done burger.
Step 4
Remove the hamburger patties from the grill using your metal spatula. Allow to cool slightly, remove the foil and place on a serving platter. Serve with warmed buns and an array of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, cheese and diced onion.
Things You'll Need
80/20 ground beef
Salt and pepper
Dried herbs
Aluminum foil
Outdoor gas grill
Metal spatula
Serving plate
Condiments
Hamburger buns
Tip
Use your favorite herbs and spices when making your hamburger patties. Add them at the same time you add the salt and pepper. Red chili flakes, garlic powder, celery seed and rosemary are all popular choices, but experiment with less common ones like cinnamon or nutmeg to create bold-tasting hamburgers. If you want a cheeseburger, place the cheese on the burger as soon as you remove the foil so it has a chance to melt slightly before you eat.
Warning
Use caution when flipping the burger packets. If the foil gets torn or ripped it will release the juices, which can cause a flame flare-up and may cause your burger to dry out.
