Everyone knows how great burgers taste on the grill or stovetop, but not everyone has the time to light a pit or clean dishes. The next option leaves people wondering if you can microwave frozen burgers and how?
With a bit of extra work, it is possible to microwave frozen burgers precooked and raw. Microwaves have different wattage and power, so adjustments and keeping a close eye on them while cooking is critical.
There is valuable information to know before cooking frozen burgers in the microwave. We will go through that information and finish it with the steps to cook those frozen burgers in the microwave, so enjoy the read!
Cooking Frozen Beef Burgers in the Microwave
Beef burgers are sold pre-cut and ready to slap on the burners, but most people do not know that a faster way to cook a burger exists in the microwave. It is essential to know the wattage of the microwave. They range from 700 to 1100 watts, depending on the age.
Like most appliances, they will lose some of their power over time.
There are pre-cooked frozen burgers that are easy and automatically microwaveable, but they have the instructions on the bag. Pre-cut raw burgers do not have labels for microwaves and how to cook them. That is where we are here to help.
Safety should be the priority in following the USDA chart for internal temperatures. Everything cooked with ground beef, especially burgers, should have an internal temperature of 160 °F. This is due to the internal raw beef hitting the air.
Ground beef is processed and ground up with more food-borne bacteria than steak or regular cuts of meat.
Items Needed Before Cooking Frozen Burgers
These are a few items to gather before cooking. Keep these handy and by the microwave to speed up the process. The strainer and browning sauce are the only optional items.
The strainer will keep the burgers from sitting in the fat while cooking and becoming soggy. When cooking burgers in the microwave, they will not brown like on the grill, so try Worcestershire or teriyaki sauce.
Liquid smoke is another option that helps it come close to grilled flavor.
Here are the items you’ll need before you start:
- Microwave-safe dish
- Favorite Seasonings
- Something to put the cooked burgers
- Plastic wrap to cover the cooked burgers
- Meat thermometer
- Microwavable Strainer (optional)
- Browning Sauce (optional)
The Best Way to Cook Frozen Beef Burgers in the Microwave
Most frozen raw burgers are not seasoned. Some are seasoned but may not have enough to your standards. Before beginning, thaw the meat using the defrost setting for one to two minutes on each side. We are going with an 800-watt microwave.
Higher wattage means cooking at a lower setting.
- Step 1: Once the meat is defrosted, season according to taste and rearrange the burger patties, so they are not touching each other. Having a little space helps them cook faster.
- Step 2: Use a microwaveable casserole lid to cover the burgers. Covering the burgers allows them to cook evenly in the microwave if they are in a circular pattern. They hold the moisture better this way.
- Step 3: Set the microwave to the highest setting and cook the burgers for five to eight minutes while keeping an eye on them at the five-minute mark. This will vary with different microwaves, so be careful.
- Step 4: Take the burgers, flip them over, and rearrange them on the plate. Once this is done, cook for another five to eight minutes.
- Step 5: Cook the burgers until they are steaming and the juice that pours out is clear. Ensure there is no more blood coming out of the burger.
- Step 6: It is critical to let the meat sit for about two minutes. It is still cooking internally during this process. Check the internal temperature and see that it is no less than 160 °F.
- Step 7: If the internal temperature is not 160 °F, put the burgers back in the microwave for a minute or two longer. It is advised not to consume raw or undercooked meat due to bacterial contamination, which causes food-borne illnesses.
A Great Homemade Seasoning for Burgers
This article offers great how-to tips, but here is an extra treat. We will go one step further and provide an excellent recipe for homemade seasoning for burgers.
All you have to do is mix the following in a bowl and sprinkle generously over the meat. Follow this mixture for one pound of beef.
- One teaspoon of salt
- One teaspoon of black pepper
- One-fourth teaspoon of red pepper
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- One teaspoon of onion powder
- One-half teaspoon of paprika
- One tablespoon of brown sugar
- One-half teaspoon of dried basil
FAQ
What are the best-frozen burgers to purchase?
According to reviews across America, the top two picks are Kroger’s One Minute Cheeseburger. The second choice that came in almost with a tie is the White Castle Cheeseburger. Both are frozen burgers, and both are microwavable.
Can you cook White Castle Burgers in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook White Castle Burgers in the microwave, and it is a quick and easy process. White Castle burgers are pre-cooked but frozen. Take them out of the freezer, put them on a microwave-safe dish, and cook for one to two minutes on high power.
Make sure the burgers are heated through, and follow the package instructions if there are any problems.
Can you cook ground beef that is frozen in the microwave?
It is tough to cook ground beef in the microwave if you are using it for foods like hamburger helper or rice dressing. You can do it, but it has to be thawed out entirely before cooking.
Once it is cooked, it will require much stirring until the meat is browned. It is necessary to drain the fat after browning.
