Summertime is burger time! There’s nothing quite like a juicy burger fresh off the grill. But if you’re looking to mix things up this grilling season, why not try smoking your burgers?
Smoking burgers adds a delicious depth of flavor that you just can’t get from grilling alone. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family at your next cookout.
Don’t worry; smoking burgers is easier than you might think. With our simple guide, you’ll be a pro in no time. Read on to learn how to make perfectly smoked burgers.
You can also check our articles on How to Make Electric Smoker Pork Roast, How to Make Babyback Ribs in Electric Smoker, How to Make Juicy Smoked Beer Can Chicken in Electric Smoker, Easy to Make Smoked Ham Recipe, How to Smoke Cheese in a Electric Smoker, and How to Choose Electric Heating Element for Smoker.
How to Smoke Burgers on an Electric Smoker?
Electric smokers are great for cooking burgers because they’re easy to use and provide consistent heat.
Basic Smoked Burgers from Scratch
Preheat Your Smoker
You’ll want to preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your burgers cook evenly and don’t dry out.
Season Your Burgers
When it comes to seasoning your burgers, you have two options: you can either use a burger seasoning mix, or you can just use salt and pepper. If you’re using a burger seasoning mix, we recommend using about 1 tablespoon per pound of ground beef. If you’re just using salt and pepper, we recommend using 1 teaspoon of each per pound of ground beef.
Choose the Best Ground Beef for Smoking
When it comes to choosing the best ground beef for smoking, you’ll want to look for ground beef that is an 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. The higher fat content will help keep your burgers moist and juicy while they’re smoking.
Shape Your Patties
Once you’ve seasoned your ground beef, it’s time to shape it into patties. You’ll want to make sure that your patties are about 1/2-inch thick so that they cook evenly.
If you make them too thick, they might not cook all the way through; if you make them too thin, they might dry out while they’re smoking.
You can even add some onions, peppers, and other vegetables to your patties for an extra flavor boost.
Place Your Patties on the Smoker Grate
Once your patties are shaped and seasoned, it’s time to place them on the smoker grate. Make sure that they’re not touching each other so that they cook evenly on all sides.
Smoke Your Burgers for 30-45 Minutes
Now it’s time for the fun part: smoking your burgers! Depending on how well done you like your burgers, you’ll want to smoke them for 30-45 minutes at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove from Smoker and Let Rest for 5 Minutes Before Serving
Once your burgers are finished smoking, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help them retain their juices and flavor. Serve with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Smoked Burgers Temperature Chart
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 145°F |
| Medium Well | 150°F |
| Well Done | 160°F |
Best Burger Toppings and Sides
There are so many delicious ways to dress up your burgers, from creative toppings to flavorful sides. We’ll share below some of our favorite burger toppings and sides to help you take your grilling game to the next level.
Bacon
Bacon makes everything better, including burgers! Wrapping your burger in bacon not only adds delicious flavor but also helps to keep the burger moist and juicy. If you’re feeling extra bacon-y, you can also top your burger with crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is the perfect way to add a little sweetness and tanginess to your burger. Brush it on the bun for extra flavor, or use it as a dipping sauce for your fries. Bonus points if you make your own homemade barbecue sauce!
Avocado
Creamy avocado is a delicious alternative to traditional cheese slices. It’s also a great source of healthy fats and vitamins. Slice or mash the avocado and spread it on your bun or on top of your burger patty.
Fried Egg
Who says burgers are only for breakfast? Adding a fried egg to your burger is a great way to mix things up. The runny yolk makes a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the beef patty and other toppings.
Pickles
Pickles are a quintessential burger topping that adds a nice crunch and Tangy flavor. You can use store-bought pickles or make your own homemade pickles using cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices.
Fries
No list of burger toppings would be complete without fries! They’re the perfect side dish for burgers because they can be cooked on the same grill. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like for extra flavor. You can also try dipping them in ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Tips for the Best Smoked Burgers
1. Form your patties by hand. Avoid pressing the beef too firmly together, as this will make your burgers tough.
2. Make a thumbprint indentation in the center of each patty. This will help the burger cook evenly and prevent it from swelling in the middle as it cooks.
3. Season your burgers generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning blend! Try adding in some garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices.
4. For an even smokier flavor, you can add wood chips to the smoker. Just make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
5. Baste the burgers with BBQ sauce or honey during the last few minutes of cooking to add some extra flavor and caramelization.
Smoked Burgers with Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 4 slices cheddar cheese
– 4 hamburger buns, toasted
– Your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc.)
Instructions
Preparation of Patties
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Make sure to press a thumbprint indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent it from swelling as it cooks.
3. Keep the patties in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Cooking the Burgers
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. Place the patties on the smoker and cook for 30 minutes.
3. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
4. Add the cheese slices to the top of each patty and cook for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
5. Remove the patties from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. To assemble the burgers, place the cooked patties on toasted buns and top them with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Smoked Burgers FAQs
How long should you smoke burgers?
The cooking time will largely depend on the thickness of the burgers, as well as your personal preferences. For example, if you like your burgers rare, you’ll need to cook them for less time than if you prefer them well done.
In general, however, it’s best to cook burgers for at least 25-30 minutes on an electric smoker. This will ensure that they are cooked through and have picked up a nice smoky flavor.
Are burgers worth smoking?
The answer, of course, depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for that classic smoky flavor, then smoking is definitely the way to go. Electric smokers are designed to infuse food with subtle smoky flavors, and they do a great job with burgers.
Just be sure to use a light hand when adding smoke, as too much can quickly overwhelm the taste of the meat.
Do you flip burgers when smoking?
Yes, it is important to flip burgers when smoking. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and pick up plenty of smoky flavors. However, it’s also important to flip burgers carefully to prevent them from falling apart. Use a large spatula and be gentle when flipping the burgers.
What type of wood is best for smoking burgers?
When it comes to smoking burgers, not all woods are created equal. Different woods can impact the flavor of the meat in different ways, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Alder is a popular choice for smoking burgers due to its mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, it burns quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the fire.
Maple is another good option, as it imparts a subtle sweetness to the meat. Cherry and apple wood are also popular choices, as they add a fruity note to the burger.
When smoking burgers, avoid using strong-flavored woods like mesquite or hickory, as they can overpower the taste of the meat. Instead, stick with milder woods that will enhance the flavor of the burger without overpowering it.
Can I smoke a frozen burger?
No, you cannot smoke a frozen burger in an electric smoker. Electric smokers use indirect heat for cooking food, meaning that the food does not come into contact with the heat source.
This cooking method is not hot enough to thaw frozen food, so any attempt to smoke a frozen burger would likely result in the burger being undercooked.
In addition, smoking frozen meat can introduce bacteria into the food, which can cause food poisoning. For these reasons, it is always best to thaw meat before smoking it in an electric smoker.
Why do you smoke burgers on low?
Smoking burgers on low in an electric smoker provides a number of benefits. For one thing, it helps to prevent the formation of cancer-causing compounds. In addition, it allows the burgers to retain more moisture, making them more flavorful and juicy.
And finally, smoking on low prevents the formation of smoke rings, which can give burgers an off-flavor. Thus, all things considered, it’s clear that smoking burgers on low in an electric smoker are the best way to go.
What makes a good smoked burger?
A good smoked burger should be flavorful, juicy, and cooked to perfection. To get the perfect flavor, start by selecting high-quality beef that has been properly seasoned.
Then, cook the burgers over a slow fire so that they have a chance to absorb all of the smoke flavors. Juicy burgers are essential, so make sure to add some fat to the ground beef before cooking.
Finally, don’t overcook the burgers; they should be pink in the center and slightly charred on the outside. When all of these elements come together, you’ll have a delicious smoked burger that will be the hit of any cookout.
Conclusion
Smoked burgers are a delicious and easy way to switch up your burger game. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can turn ordinary burgers into something special. Try out different toppings and seasonings to find the perfect flavor combination for your taste buds.
We hope that now you know how to make perfectly smoked burgers! Enjoy your delicious burgers, and happy smoking!