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Juicy and flavorful Marinated Burgers are full of flavor and our most requested grilled summer recipe.
Delicious grilled Marinated Burgers that taste like steak!
Everybody loves a great burger, especially one that’s juicy all the way through. Cooking burgers the right way helps, but you can also take it a step further and marinate the burgers to enhance the beefy flavor.
For myself, I love a good steak and might pick that over a burger most days. However, I’m happily married to a burger loving man so grilled hamburgers are a must on Father’s Day, 4th of July or any day that ends with the letter “y”!
But ever since I developed this recipe years ago, I’ve grown to love burgers and always devour these marinated burgers when grilled at home.
Don’t let grilling season go by without trying this wonderful marinade.
Ingredients for our marinated hamburger recipe:
For the marinade:
- brown sugar
- vegetable oil – canola or olive oil work well too
- balsamic vinegar
- low sodium soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- ground mustard
- grated fresh ginger
- garlic cloves or garlic powder will do in a pinch
- seasoned salt – we use low-sodium Montreal Steak Seasoning
- black ground pepper
- red pepper flakes
For the burgers:
- ground chuck – 20/80% fat ratio – lamb or pork also work well in this marinade
- buns – split, buttered and toasted
For serving:
- cheese – we like a good melting cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or Provolone
- cooked, crisp bacon
- lettuce
- tomato
- onion
- pickles
- condiments: ketchup, mustard and/or mayonnaise
How to make a great hamburger:
First divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions, about 6-ounces each. Form patties and make a slightly deep indention in the middle of the burgers using your thumb.
Place the hamburger patties in a large casserole dish or baking pan.
Combine all the marinade ingredients and pour over the burgers. Turn the patties to ensure the marinade is covering the bottom of the pan. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 turning the patties a few times.
Preheat your grill and oil the grates. Grill the hamburgers until cooked through, about 7-9 minutes per side.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips for making the best marinated grilled hamburgers:
- Use beef with a little more fat such as 80/20 ground blend. Leaner ground beef/sirloin can dry out easily when grilled.
- Don’t overwork the meat! Form burgers firmly, but not too tight.
- Make a deep indention in the middle of the patty with your thumb. This simple trick ensures the middle of the burger will cook evenly as they puff up and shrink.
- Allow the hamburgers to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Clean and oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Cook over a pre-heated hot grill.
- Do not over-sear the meat over hot flames. Charred burgers are tasty, but often dry out. Once seared quickly on both sides, move the burgers to a higher grill rack or turn the flames down to medium or medium-low.
- Don’t smash the burgers while cooking. This pushes all that juicy fatty goodness out of the patty and may make your burgers dry.
- Allow the burgers to rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the juices have time to settle down.
These Marinated Burgers are good enough to eat without condiment camouflage.
This marinade is not overpowering but enhances the flavor of the meat. These burgers are perfectly delicious served plain or topped with cheese. In fact, you can skip the bun all together! The flavor is the ultimate combination of steak and burger.
We use a mild provolone or Monterey Jack cheese on these burgers but any will work well. I like a little mayonnaise, ketchup, tomato, onions and crisp lettuce on my burgers. Add a few fries or chips and pickles on the side and we’re good to go!
Oh, and don’t forget to butter and toast your bun; it makes all the difference!
This marinade can also be used for steak skewers. And finally, try our easy steak marinade when you’re in the mood for a little knife and fork action.
Great sides to serve with Marinated Burgers:
French fries are the classic side to serve with burgers. But if you’re in the mood for something a little less predictable, try a few of our favorite summer sides.
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Marinated Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or olive oil work well too)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt like Montreal Steak
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
For the burgers:
- 2 ¼ pounds ground beef 80% to 20% fat ratio (you can also use lamb, pork or any combination)
- 6 hamburger buns buttered and toasted
Optional Toppings:
- bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, etc.
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions, 6-ounces each. Form into 5-inch wide patties with a deep indention in the middle. Place in a large shallow, glass baking pan.
- Mix all marinade ingredients together in a small bowl and pour over the burger patties. Turn the burgers then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at 1 to 4 hours (or longer if desired) turning at least once.
- When ready to cook, remove the burgers from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Clean the grill grates with a wire brush. Oil the grates with paper towels soaked with vegetable oil.
- Heat a gas grill to 325-350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, heat on high until hot, then reduce the heat to medium before adding the burgers. Using tongs, carefully oil the grilling surface again thoroughly.
- Grill the burgers until cooked through, about 7-9 minutes on each side.
- Allow the hamburgers to rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Don't overwork the ground beef. Form burgers firmly but not too tight.
- Make a deep indention in the middle of each patty. This insures the middle will cook evenly as the burgers puff up.
- Don't sear the burgers over hot flames. Cook more evenly over the hot portion of your grill.
- Don't smash the burgers while cooking. This pushes all the juicy goodness out and can make the meat dry.
- Allow the burgers to rest a few minutes before serving so the juices have time to settle.
Nutrition
Originally published June 2016 – updated June 2021
Crystal
Since we have 2″ of snow (and still falling) in PA today, I baked these burgers in the oven instead of grilling them. The recipe is perfect as written. Don’t be tempted to leave out the ginger! Delicious!
Tricia Buice
So glad these were still delicious in the oven! Sorry about the snow. It’s been a long winter here in Virginia, too. Thanks for trying this delicious recipe. We adore it!
Zahra
A friend brought those for BBQ at ours. Best burger I ever had. Had to ask recipe
Tricia Buice
Thank you Zahra! I hope you get the chance to make them too. We LOVE these burgers and are always happy with the results. Enjoy 🙂
Jennie
These were the best hamburgers I have ever made! Hamburgers have always been one of my favorite meals but I could never replicate the restaurant burger taste and tenderness. I have tried a combination of all grades and fat contents of ground beef but until now, I was never completely satisfied with the results. I use your cooking site and expertise so often and I am so thankful to you for the successful recipes and cooking techniques I now use. I encourage readers to try these. You will be very pleased with the results !
Tricia Buice
Oh my goodness Jennie! Your comment absolutely made my day 🙂 Thanks for following along and for commenting. I’m thrilled you’re part of our wonderful group of bakers and cooks. Bravo!!
Tina
I tried this marinade today. Omg. It really made a difference in my burgers. I used ground ginger powder and garlic powder and it still tasted good. This will definitely be my “go to” recipe.
Tricia Buice
Thanks for the feedback Tina! I’m crazy about these burgers, too. The flavor just can’t be beat 😉 Thanks again for taking the time to comment!
Lyn
Excellent flavor…very juicy…great recipe.
I used to work in a restaurant that marinated their burgers and this is so very close!!!
Thank you.
Tricia Buice
So glad you tried this Lyn! We love our burgers with all that wonderful flavor. How cool – restaurant quality!!! Thank you 🙂
Sandy
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. Found it at the beginning of summer and have made them every week since. So flavorful, moist. These are 5 star burgers!
Tricia Buice
Thank you for the feedback Sandy! This recipe makes a tasty burger and we’re so glad you like it. I’m going to miss my grill this winter 🙂
TAMI HRITZAY
Just tried your marinated burger recipe tonight with deer burgers. Wonderful recipe, great tasting. My guys ate every burger. Will use this recipe all the time! Thanks!
Tricia Buice
Thanks so much for the feedback Tami. I have some ground venison in the freezer and will take your recommendation to make marinated burgers. So happy grilling season is here again 🙂 Thanks again!
monique
I have no idea why I have such trouble posting 🙁
If you don’t see me it’s because it just wasn’t loading..and I tried..
so..the marinade is made..Noah is coming for dinner tomorrow and this is it:)
I usually camo my burgers from the get go..w/ eggs and oats..and flax..and spices..then form patties..and I do love them..but I am very eager to try these:)
Thanks!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Monique! So sorry you’ve had trouble and thanks so much for trying!
John/Kitchen Riffs
I’ve never marinated burgers for some reason. I’m SO going to try this — love the flavors of your marinade, and you’ve sold me on its utility. Great post — thanks.
Tricia Buice
Thanks John! Please let me know what you think 🙂 Have a great weekend
Sara
This is such a great idea, I struggle with getting my burgers to not dry out on the grill. I actually just picked up a pound of ground beef so I’m trying this technique when it’s burger night!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Sara – hope you love this marinade too – great on steaks and chicken as well.
Katherine | Omnivore's Cookbook
Look at that burger goodness. so juicy and packed with flavor. Craving this exact one right now.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Katherine – they are very tasty!
Monica
That is one perfect-looking burger!! Wow! Your husband is one lucky man. And I am so intrigued by the idea of marinating the burgers! I marinate my meats all the time for stir-fry but never thought about it for burger patties. So great – thanks for sharing. Hope you all had a great weekend!
Tricia Buice
It really works Monica! I love the flavor and simple toppings – definitely my favorite way to have a hamburger. Have a terrific week!
Steve
This was the best burger I ever had! It was better than a gourmet restaurant burger! I marinated exactly as described, then I grilled with the garlic cloves on each burger, after they were done grilling, I had premade a delicious tangy lemon aioli sauce. I always brown the hamburger buns in a hot pan with some butter. I mashed the grilled garlic cloves from the burgers, added them to the tangy lemon aioli and smeared each side of the buns. I topped with red onion, lettuce tomato, sweet pickles and a little ketchup. Wow!! It was the most amazing burger I’ve ever had. This is my go to for any burger night! A side of homemade coleslaw and Sweet potato fries with some lemon aioli dipping sauce 👌
Tricia Buice
Oh Steve that sounds amazing! I’m going to try your grilled garlic cloves and aioli next time. Thank you!
Kathy
I have been trying to cut back…but this looks as though it would be a winner at my house! I must give it a try….and then cut back! 🙂
Tricia Buice
A few burgers a year are about all I have – not one of the things I crave but these have a terrific flavor that will make you remember them until next time! Thanks Kathy!
Mimi
This is quite intriguing! I would never have thought to use Asian ingredients. Must try soon!
Tricia Buice
It doesn’t really taste asian Mimi – really more like a marinated steak. Thanks!
Dom
sounds like a classic. Simple and very tasty. I’m a bit over the whole ‘burger revolution’ so it’s nice to go back to basics and this looks very nice!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Dom! I have at least a few burgers each year and this is my favorite. Plain ground beef seems tasteless to me – but I know not all agree. Hope you enjoy the marinade if you try it!
Susan
I’ve never tried a marinated burger but that’s going to change for first chance I get! They sound so delicious and summer is BURGER time!
Tricia Buice
I just love the flavor Susan – hope you do too! Thanks so much 🙂
Becky Green
OH YUM! We DID grill burgers too! LOL Your marinade sounds WONDERFUL Tricia! HOPE you & yours had a FABULOUS FATHER’S DAY TOO!!!! I LOVE your comment on how when fathers become fathers, their names change to “dad” forever after! 😉
Tricia Buice
Thanks you so much Becky. We had a great father’s day and the next day we welcomed a new granddaughter. What a wonderful week!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
Wow, what a great idea, Tricia! I’m not a big meat eater either but I do love a good burger in the summer. I’ve got to try this. We consider making great burgers an art form in our family and this will be a huge hit. Fabulous photos!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Robyn – I hope you love them too!
Larry
Not sure why I never considered marinating a burger. I like that your meat is as big as the bun. I’m married to one of those burger lovin folks as well.
Tricia Buice
I hope you’ll give them a try Larry – so tasty! Hope you’re both doing great.
Betty
That’s a gorgeous burger! These would disappear quickly at my house for sure. Hubs loves any excuse to light up his precious grill, and I wouldn’t have to twist his arm even one little bit to get these cooked! 🙂
Tricia Buice
I bet he would love them Betty! We love the flavor and the juiciness. Hope you’re off to a great start this summer. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!
Beth
Your burgers look terrific! My husband loves making them, and I do enjoy his burgers. Nothing else quite says summer in the same way!
Tricia Buice
So true Beth, so true! Hope you had a lovely weekend and thanks 🙂
Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef
I love the idea of marinating the burgers. It sounds delicious and love a lot of condiments on my burger.
Tricia Buice
They really are good Gerlinde – hope you are doing great! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Chris Scheuer
This sounds amazing Tricia. I love a good burger but never heard of marinating them. I love the idea. Can’t wait to try this. Haha, maybe we should exchange places, we’re doing steaks today and I love burgers. You’re doing burgers and you love steaks…
Tricia Buice
Hope you will give them a try Chris – they taste like steak! And I hope you’re going to post your steak recipe – I’m always in the mood for a great one!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
I love the ‘condiment camouflage’ comment — that’s so true! I can’t wait to try this because I always think regular burgers lack flavor, and I wouldn’t have thought of the balsamic and ginger, that sounds so zingy!!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Sue – this is a good marinade for chicken and steak too. Just enough flavor to enhance without overpowering the meat. Have a wonderful week!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
These burgers look so delicious and I love the idea of marinating them! They must be full of flavour 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thanks Jennifer – you can taste the marinade but it doesn’t overwhelm the burgers. We love it on steak and chicken too!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
I can tell that meat patty looks really JUICY!!!
Tricia Buice
I don’t eat a lot of meat these days Angie – but this is worth the splurge! Juicy and full of flavor 🙂 Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping by!