You can also try canola, grapeseed, peanut, or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. If your burgers are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours prior to cooking. [2] X Research source Your burgers will taste better and maintain a better texture if you thaw them before cooking, but you can use frozen patties in a pinch. [3] X Research source
Don’t press down on your patties while they cook: this will cause the juices to leak out of the patties. [6] X Research source If you are cooking frozen burgers, allow them to cook an extra 2 minutes on each side. [7] X Research source
Salt and pepper are common go-tos, but if you want a burger with more pizzazz, consider a dash of smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in addition to salt and pepper. [9] X Research source For best results, apply about 1⁄2 teaspoon (2. 5 mL) of seasoning. [10] X Research source
Classic burger toppings like sliced tomatoes and cheese, grilled Portobello mushrooms for an umami flavor, and pickles for a bit of zing go great on a plant-based burger. For bread options, consider sesame, ciabatta, pretzel, potato, whole grain, or vegan burger buns.
If you’ve thawed more meat than you needed to cook, you can refreeze your patties as long as they haven’t been thawing for more than 3 days. [13] X Research source
To prevent the meat from sticking to the grill or falling through the grate, try using a grilling mat. [16] X Research source You can also prevent your burgers from sticking to the grill by applying canola oil to the grill using an oiled paper towel or spray oil. (Just make sure to do this before you turn the grill on!)[17] X Research source While your grill preheats, you can prepare your toppings: slice tomatoes and onions, grab a few pickles and condiments—whatever options you’d find on a meat-based burger go well with plant-based patties as well.
Olive oil will also work.
Don’t press down on your patties while they cook: this will cause the juices to leak out of the patties. [20] X Research source Your burgers will taste better and maintain a better texture if you thaw them before cooking, but if you use frozen patties, allow them to cook an extra 2 minutes on each side. [21] X Research source
Consider seasonings commonly used for meat-based burgers, such as garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper, or a mushroom umami seasoning. For a bit of a southwest flavor, try cumin and paprika. [23] X Research source For a more herbaceous flavor, try rosemary, thyme, and garlic. [24] X Research source
Keep in mind that though grilling plant-based burgers works just fine, due to the burgers’ sticky and fragile texture, they may fall apart when flipped, so a flat, gapless cooking surface is more ideal. [26] X Research source
Consider traditional toppings like tomatoes, caramelized onions, mayonnaise, cheese, and pickles, or be a little adventurous and adorn your patty with a fried egg or roasted Brussels sprouts. [27] X Research source
You can refreeze any extra uncooked patties as long as they haven’t been thawing longer than 3 days. [29] X Research source
Your burgers will taste better and maintain a better texture if you thaw them before cooking, but if you use frozen patties, allow them to cook an extra 2 minutes on each side. [33] X Research source
Salt and pepper are common seasonings. For a kick, try paprika, crushed red pepper, or cumin. For a more floral, herby taste, try rosemary or thyme. For some bite, try garlic powder or onion powder. You can also season your patties midway through cook time. For bread options, consider a classic sesame seed bun, or get a bit healthier with a whole wheat bun. For a low-carb option, consider an open-face burger. When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit: ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are classic condiments. Also consider pickled onions, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, grilled mushrooms, and American or Swiss cheese.
Refreeze any uncooked patties, as long as they have not been thawing in the refrigerator for longer than 3 days. [36] X Research source
