Father’s day is only days away and many people who may not be comfortable behind a grill will attempt to make the ever popular Father’s Day feast of hamburgers and hot dogs. Your dad or husband performed valiantly at all those family cookouts and now you want to repay the favor but can you cook a burger just as good as dear old dad? Of course you can. I thought I would offer up a few key simple tips (nothing fancy here) on grilling hamburgers to those that are uninitiated to help you make the day a success.

Forget about calories.

While it is unhealthy to eat burgers everyday, or so I have been told, we are already committed so no turning back now. Use ground beef with a 20% fat content. This will ensure that your burgers are flavorful and juicy if cooked right. 5 or 10% fat content will equal a dry hockey puck like disc with about as much flavor.

Easy does it.

Judicious use of seasonings is recommended. A little salt, fresh ground black pepper and garlic powder go a long way. Anyway the meat is the star attraction here. Use seasoning mixes if you care but easy does it.

Get your grill on.

Lubricate the grill grates with cooking spray or oil and then preheat to about 450 – 550° F. High heat will sear the outside of the burger and seal in the juices. If your grill doesn’t have a thermometer or it doesn’t work well (common) then check out “How hot is my grill.” It outlines a method to approximate the heat level of a gas or charcoal fires.

Use your thumbs.

Press your thumb into the center of the patties to create a well in the center when forming them. Not all the way through. Do so just enough to make a depression in the middle. This will prevent the dread overly plump or round looking patty.

Flip only once & never flatten.

Wait for it, wait for it. When the burgers naturally pull away from the grates and no longer stick and they have sweated most of the residual juice that leak from the top, they are ready to be flipped. Cook for a few minutes more and remember, never take the spatial and press on the burger, flattening the patty! You will loose precocious moisture.

Take a chill B.

When done, allow the burgers to relax covered for about 5 minutes or else all the juices will run out with the first bite.

Keep it real.

And finally, serve on a quality, soft, toasted bun. Melt the cheese on the patty if you are making cheese burgers. Serve with premium condiments and only the freshest vegetables because your burgers and dad deserves it.