8 steps for getting perfectly grilled burgers at home

To wow your guests with perfectly grilled burgers at your next cookout, follow these eight steps.

1. Use medium ground beef instead of lean for a tastier burger. You can also mix different meats like pork or lamb.

2. Season your meat with enough salt and pepper to give it some flavor. Add other seasonings as desired.

3. Make your patties the same size to ensure they cook within an identical timeframe. Using a kitchen scale or measuring cup will help. A quarter pound (or approximately half a cup) is ideal for creating patties.

4. Flatten the patties before grilling them and use your finger to make shallow divots in the middles. This will prevent your burgers from becoming dome shaped.

5. Get a good sear on the outside of your patty by getting the grill very hot before putting the burgers on.

6. Only flip them once. Rotating, squashing or moving them around will cause your meat to become tough.

7. Cook for three minutes on each side for medium rare (not recommended when using pork), four minutes a side for medium or five minutes a side for well-done burgers.

8. Allow your burgers to sit for five minutes before eating.

Toast some buns, garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!