Few things capture the flavour of summer quite like a juicy BBQ beef burger, hot off the grill, smoky and sizzling under the sun. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a weekend treat, planning a picnic, or hosting a casual garden get-together, this homemade burger recipe delivers series crowd-pleasing flavour.
Made with tender ground beef and seasoned generously with Maldon Sea Salt flakes and freshly cracked pepper, these beef patties are grilled to perfect over high heat until charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The real magic, though, comes in the layering – these BBQ beef burgers are topped with sharp, tangy quick-pickled red onions and a creamy, smoky spicy mayo with pickles, giving every bite a perfect balance of heat and zing. Serve them up in toasted buns with a slick BBQ sauce, crisp lettuce, and all your favourite toppings for the ultimate grilled burger experience.
How to Make Summer Beef Burgers
Quick and easy to make, this BBQ burger recipe is build around simple, bold ingredients like beef mince, olive oil and Maldon Sea Salt – proof that a great homemade burger doesn’t need much to shine.
Step 1 – Make the Quick-Pickled Onions
Toss and lightly scrunch the onions with the vinegar and a pinch of salt of Maldon Sea Salt. Set aside to soften and turn bright pink as you get on with the burgers.
Step 2 – Prepare the Burger Patties
In a large bowl, mix the beef mince, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, a good pinch of Maldon Sea Salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Shape and Chill the Patties
Using wet hands, divide the mixture into four balls, then lightly press each ball down to create patties about 5cm thick. Transfer the patties to a plate and leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until you’re ready to cook.
Step 4 Make the Spicy Pickle Mayo
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a dash of hot sauce and the finely chopped gherkins. Taste for seasoning and add a dash more hot sauce if you’d like more heat.
Step 5 – Cook the Burgers
Heat your BBQ or griddle pan to medium-high. Brush patties with olive oil, then add to the grates or pan. Press down lightly with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes until well browned, then flip and cook for 3–5 minutes more. Add cheddar slices after flipping if desired.
Step 6 – Toast the Buns
Transfer cooked burgers to a plate to rest for a couple of minutes. Toast the burger buns, cut side down, on the BBQ or pan until golden.
Step 7 – Assemble and Serve
Spread spicy pickle mayo on the bottom buns. Add patties, pickled onions, and your favourite toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, mustard, and sliced gherkins.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled corn, potato salad or a crisp summer slaw.
- Try on brioche buns for added richness.
- Pair with homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a cold beer.
- Make sliders for parties by forming smaller patties and using mini buns.
Storing and Reheating Your Burgers
Store your cooked patties in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat burgers in a pan or oven until piping hot. Pickled onions can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The spicy pickle mayonnaise can last in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, if stored in an air-tight container.
Tips
- Use 20% fat beef mince for juicer burgers.
- Chill patties in the fridge for up to 30 minutes to help them hold their shape on the grill.
- Don’t press down too hard during cooking as you will loose all the delicious juices.
Can I make burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the burgers ahead of time by making the patties (beef mince, onion, egg, pepper, Maldon Sea Salt and olive oil) and shape them. You can then store the beef patties in the fridge to chill for up to 3 days, ensuring they are tightly wrapped to prevent oxidation.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze beef burger patties. Start by shaping the ground beef into patties, adding your desired seasonings to the mix. When freezing, make sure that you separate the patties with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers to protect from freezer burn. The raw patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked patties can be frozen for roughly 4 months.
What’s the best beef burger for burgers?
For a juicy and flavour-packed burger, the best beef option is ground chuck. This is because it has an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, which means it has a good balance between lean protein and flavourful fat for a delicious, tender and juicy burger. You can also experiment with mixing different cuts like chuck, brisket, or short ribs to create your own burger blend.
Can I cook these without a BBQ?
Yes, you can absolutely cook burgers without a barbecue grill.
- Oven Baking – Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F. Place your patties on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
- Pan-Frying – Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned patties in the hot skillet, allowing for some space between them. Cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare burger, flipping halfway for a balanced cook – you want a nicely seared and browned surface on either side.
How do I keep burgers juicy?
If you want your homemade beef burgers to be juicy, you need to make sure to do the following:
- Avoid overworking the meat when forming your patties. This will prevent them from becoming tough and dry.
- Use a good ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20). This is because it provides a balance of flavour and juiciness from the fat content, which melts during cooking, contributing to a flavourful, juicy burger that’s not too dry.
- Add a spoon/knob of butter to add moisture and fat to the beef, helping to prevent the burgers from drying out during the cooking process. It also adds a delicious rich and savoury flavourful that compliments the beef well.
Can you cook beef burgers from frozen
Yes, you can cook beef burgers from frozen. This is because the flat shape of the patties allows for an even cooking. The thawing process can also help retain moisture, leading to a juicer burger! Make sure to adjust your cook time and heat accordingly to ensure the burger is cooker through. For the oven, we recommend cooking at 230°C for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If using the air fryer, preheat to 200°C, cooking for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I cook the beef burgers in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook homemade beef burgers in the air fryer. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes on one side at 175°C, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes.
