BBQ season is here, and celebrity chef Guy Fieri has shared his expert burger heat control technique that could transform your summer grilling game.
Fieri, known as the undisputed king of American BBQ, gave Tasting Table a comprehensive breakdown covering everything from patty to bun. One nugget of wisdom stood out: the secret to a truly outstanding burger lies squarely in heat management.
Mastering the Heat
Fieri urges cooks not to underestimate the importance of heat. He recommends starting burgers over direct heat and moving to indirect for thicker patties. "The key is high heat. Get it hot enough to sear and build flavour, but not so hot that you're burning it. The hotter the surface, within reason, the better the result," he said.
He also favours a higher-fat beef ratio, preferring an 80/20 blend for grilling. Achieving the right heat requires a delicate touch and might take a few attempts to master, but it's particularly effective for thick, steakhouse-style patties.
Cheese Melting Technique
For the cheese crowning your burger, Fieri recommends steaming it beneath a dome. "It helps the heat penetrate and melt the cheese without drying it out...add a splash of water and cover it, the steam gets in there and gives you that smooth, melty cheese finish," he explained.
To inject more character, consider swapping classic American cheese slices for halloumi, mozzarella, or even brie to introduce a fresh dimension to your upgraded BBQ burgers.
