How Long To Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers On Grill

How Long to Cook Frozen Turkey Burgers on a Grill?

Grilling frozen turkey burgers offers a convenient and flavorful weeknight meal. However, knowing the precise cooking time is crucial to ensure they're cooked thoroughly and juicy. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to grilling frozen turkey patties to perfection.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Several factors influence the cooking time of frozen turkey burgers on a grill:

• Thickness of the patties: Thicker patties require longer cooking times than thinner ones.
• Grill temperature: A higher grill temperature will cook the burgers faster, but be careful not to burn them. Medium-high heat is ideal.
• Type of grill: Gas grills tend to offer more consistent heat than charcoal grills.
• Desired doneness: Personal preference plays a role; some prefer their burgers well-done, while others prefer them slightly pink inside.

Cooking Frozen Turkey Burgers on a Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to grill frozen turkey burgers, ensuring they are safely cooked while retaining their juiciness:

1. Prepare Your Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Clean the grates to prevent sticking.

2. Oil the Grates:

• Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the burgers from sticking. Use a high-heat cooking oil such as canola or vegetable oil.

3. Grill the Burgers:

• Place the frozen turkey burgers directly onto the preheated grill.
• Important Note: Do not overcrowd the grill; allow space between the patties for even cooking.

4. Cooking Time:

This is where things get tricky. Since burgers are frozen and vary in thickness, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, here’s a general guideline:

• Expect to cook frozen turkey burgers for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Use a meat thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure doneness is by using a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This is crucial when cooking frozen patties to ensure the center reaches a safe temperature.

5. Check for Doneness:

• After approximately 10-12 minutes, carefully flip the burgers.
• Continue grilling for another 10-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
• Remember: Thicker patties may need a bit more time.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once cooked, remove the burgers from the grill 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 Juicy and Flavorful Grilled Frozen Turkey Burgers:

• Don't press down on the burgers: Pressing down on the patties while they cook will squeeze out the juices, resulting in dry burgers.
• Add flavor: Season the burgers before grilling with your favorite spices.
• Consider a marinade: Marinating the burgers before grilling adds flavor and helps keep them moist. (Note: Marinating frozen burgers may increase cooking time slightly)
• Use a lid: Closing the grill lid helps cook the burgers more evenly, especially on a charcoal grill.

Following these steps and guidelines will help you cook delicious and safely cooked frozen turkey burgers on your grill every time. Remember, using a meat thermometer is key to ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. Enjoy!