Elevate your burger game with these five seasoning ideas that will take your BBQ to the next level. Learn how to season hamburgers for the grill like a pro and how timing can make all the difference for the perfect burger!
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious grilled hamburgers, grilled chicken, and BBQ side dishes. And, for those that love a great burger, learning how to season hamburger meat for the grill can really make all the difference between an average meal and an incredible one.
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Secret to Seasoning Burgers for the Grill
The secret to a perfectly seasoned burger is in the timing! Seasoning burger patties (thawed) right before they hit the grill ensures that all those delicious flavors are locked in and won’t escape during cooking.
If you are grilling frozen burger patties, you’ll season them after they’ve been on the grill for a few minutes. See my tips for how to season and cook frozen burgers on the grill here.
But when using fresh ground beef, you’ll want to season them before cooking. I recommend using a ground chuck or ground sirloin with at least 80/20 fat content for the juiciest burgers.
5 Hamburger Seasoning Recipes
Now that you have the timing down, let’s explore five unique and delicious hamburger seasonings. Each recipe makes enough seasoning to use with 1 pound of ground beef. You can adjust these recipes as needed to accommodate the amount of meat you’re cooking.
Note: You can make a big batch of seasoning and store the remaining in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Classic Salt and Pepper
Sometimes, the simplest seasoning is the best. For a classic, flavorful burger sprinkle both sides of your patties with salt and pepper before grilling on a hot grill.
Use coarse sea salt or table salt (1 teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) for the best flavor. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as some of it will fall off during cooking.
This seasoning works well with all types of burgers, from beef to veggie to turkey burgers.
Classic Burger Seasoning Mix
For those that are fans of the classic diner-style burger, try this homemade burger seasoning blend for the best burgers.
- Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add 1/2 teaspoons each ground black pepper and kosher salt.
- Mix together until combined.
- Add just enough Worcestershire to moisten the mixture.
- Press this seasoning blend into both sides of the burger patties and grill as normal.
This seasoning is great on beef burgers but also works with turkey, veggie, and lamb burgers.
Smoky BBQ Rub
For a smoky and savory flavor, try a BBQ rub on your burgers. This is my favorite seasoning for burgers and the one I use most often.
Mix together:
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Rub the mixture onto both sides of your patties before grilling.
This seasoning works especially well with beef burgers, but can also be used on turkey or chicken burgers for a delicious twist.
Spicy Jalapeno and Garlic
For those who like a little heat, try seasoning your burgers with a spicy jalapeno and garlic mixture.
Finely chop one to two jalapenos and mix with 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Press the mixture onto your patties before grilling for a flavorful kick. For an extra spicy twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Tangy Mustard and Onion
For a classic flavor combination, try seasoning your burgers with tangy mustard and onion. This seasoning combination is really good served with grilled onions and mushrooms.
Mix together:
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Press this mixture onto the patties before grilling for a delicious burger with a tangy kick.
Savory Herb and Parmesan
Elevate your burger game with a savory herb and parmesan seasoning. This seasoning works great with beef, turkey, and lamb burgers.
Mix together:
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Spread the mixture onto your patties before grilling for a flavorful and aromatic taste. Top with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Burger Grilling FAQs
No matter which burger seasoning recipe you choose, you’ll have the best burger in no time! Now it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking. Happy grilling!
For more grilling recipes and tips, see:
- How to Master Your Charcoal Grill – Grilled Chicken
- Best Way To Grill Brats
- Best Way to Cook Frozen Burgers on the Grill
- How to Smoke Turkey On A Gas Smoker or Grill
- Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken
- Best Barbecue Side Dishes – Ribs, Burgers & More
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This article is a burger lover’s dream! I had no idea timing was so crucial when seasoning burgers. I’ll definitely be trying that classic salt and pepper combo next time I fire up the grill. Do you think these seasonings would work just as well on a skillet? Also, what’s your favorite way to serve a perfectly seasoned burger? A big, juicy patty between two soft buns is a no-brainer, but I’m always open to new ideas!