How to Pan-Fry Burgers
- by Omaha Steaks
- Last updated Apr 10, 2024
Your favorite restaurants aren’t outside grilling burgers – you can cook an incredibly juicy restaurant-quality burger without a grill, too. One of the best and easiest ways to cook burgers inside is on your stovetop in a skillet or cast-iron pan. Follow these five simple steps and learn how to pan-fry your burgers to perfection!
What You’ll Need to Pan-Fry a Burger on the Stove
- Omaha Steaks Gourmet Burgers
- Omaha Steaks Seasoning or salt and pepper
- Oil
- Cast-iron pan or non-stick skillet
- Spatula
How to Cook Burgers on the Stove
Follow these simple steps for a juicy and delicious pan-fried burger.
1. Thaw Burgers
Our all-beef gourmet patties arrive flash-frozen and individually vacuum-sealed. Defrost by placing in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick-thaw method by placing the sealed burger patties in cold water for 30 minutes or until completely defrosted.
Can I Cook Burgers from Frozen?
When grilling burgers, we do recommend cooking them from frozen. However, for pan-frying, the best results are when the burgers are completely defrosted. If you want to skip the thawing step, you can still pan-fry frozen burgers. Simply add 2-4 minutes per side during the cooking process and check internal temperature for your desired doneness.
2. Preheat Skillet
A hot skillet is essential for a great crust on your burgers. Preheat a small amount of cooking oil in a cast-iron pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. The best pan to use for pan-frying burgers is a well-seasoned cast iron pan. They are naturally non-stick and retain heat well, creating a super-hot surface that helps caramelize the outside of the burger and add incredible flavor. The most important step when pan-frying burgers is to make sure your pan is HOT before adding the burgers.
Chef Tip: This high-heat cooking process can create smoke, so turn on your range hood to help ventilate the kitchen.
3. Season Burgers
Pat burgers dry with a paper towel. Lightly oil and season with 1 teaspoon of seasoning per burger. The best burger seasoning is our Omaha Steaks Seasoning, which features a perfect blend of garlic, onion, and savory spices. You can also season with coarse sea salt and pepper or your favorite dry rub.
4. Cook Burgers to Desired Doneness
When the skillet is hot, place burgers in the pan facing away from you so the oil does not splash. Pan-fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 5°F below your desired doneness. If you’re craving a cheeseburger, add the cheese during the last few minutes of pan-searing to allow it to melt.
How Do I Know When Burgers are Done?
Overcooking can result in a dry burger, so the most accurate method to determine doneness is with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends that ground beef be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, resulting in a well-done burger with no pink in the center. For medium-rare burger doneness, cook until internal temperature reaches 135°F, and for a medium burger, cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F. Don’t forget the patties will continue to cook when removed from heat, so remove them 5° before they reach your desired doneness.
5. Rest, Add Toppings, and Serve!
Remove your burger from the pan and rest under tented foil for 5 minutes to achieve maximum juiciness. Serve with steakhouse fries and your favorite burger toppings and sauces.
Try These Epic Pan-fried Gourmet Burger Recipes from Executive Chef David Rose:
Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Hamburger Patties
How Do I Ensure the Burger Is Juicy?
The most important way to ensure a juicy burger is to get the right meat. Omaha Steaks Burgers have the perfect 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to keep the patties moist, but without much grease runoff. Sure, you can make your own homemade beef patties, but we’ve perfected the art of burger making for an incredibly juicy, delicious burger every time. Guaranteed. Crafted from real Omaha Steaks, our gourmet burgers are like steak on a bun.
Can I Cook Frozen Burger Patties on the Stove?
The best results are when burgers are completely defrosted. However, you can pan fry frozen burgers following these steps. Add frozen burgers to the skillet, cover, and cook 8-10 minutes on the first side. Uncover and cook 8-10 on the second side or until it reaches your desired doneness.
When Should I Add Cheese for a Cheeseburger?
If you want a cheeseburger, add the cheese to the burger during the last few minutes of pan-frying to allow it to melt.
How Do I Make the Burger Keto or Paleo?
Our all-beef gourmet burgers and steak burgers only have a single ingredient – beef – to ensure they are gluten-free and keto- and paleo-friendly. Simply skip the bun and you’ve got a perfect meal for your dietary needs.
More Ways to Cook a Burger:
Make a Better Burger
From classic, extra-juicy tastes to gourmet blends ground by real butchers and using aged-to-perfection Omaha Steak, you’ll find everything you want in a burger right here.
