Burgers too tough!

[jcapulet]

Anyone have tips about making a burger juicy and soft?

Mine always are tough & dry... and it seems more like an edible hockey puck than a burger. Am I cooking it wrong (oven) or should I add ingredients to make it softer?

I prefer the oven because for me it's much less messy than the stovetop (but I can try the stovetop if that's the problem)... and I don't have a grill.

Thanks!

[Georgiana]

Do you start cooking them at a temperature high enough to sear the meat?

[Slapshot]

Originally Posted by Georgiana

Are you cooking them at a temperature high enough to sear the meat?

I would say unlikely if they're in the oven, so the juices are probably running right out. Sounds like they're being cooked way too long. How large are the burgers, what temperature do you cook them at, and for how long? Also, do you see alot of juice/grease in the pan when you're done cooking them? If so, then you're overcooking them.

[jcapulet]

They're about the same size as a fast food burger. I do them at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes and I usually do see a lot of juices at the sides (usually dried up ).

I guess I should watch the burger more closely next time and take it out before the juices dry up?