How to Pan-Fry a Frozen Hamburger

Using ready-made frozen hamburgers makes dinner time prep easy.

Hamburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues and picnics. The easy to make meal is ideal for large crowds, but preparing and cooking fresh patties all at once can take time. To save time, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and freeze them or purchase frozen patties from the grocery store. Frozen patties can easily be cooked without having to thaw them out. If a grill isn't available, use a large pan to fry two or three frozen patties at once.

Things You'll Need

• Frozen hamburger patties
• Non-stick frying pan
• Water
• Spatula
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or pan on medium heat.

2. Spray non-stick cooking spray onto the pan or add a little oil to the pan, about 1 tbsp..

3. Place the frozen hamburger patties into the frying pan, but do not overcrowd. Only add enough that fit comfortably into the pan.

4. Pan-fry the burgers for three to five minutes, until the juices run clear, then flip and cook for another three to five minutes. Beef burgers need to be heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit and poultry burgers need to be heated to 165 degrees for safe consumption.

5. Remove the cooked burgers from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve the burgers on hamburger buns and with toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato and ketchup.

Tips & Warnings

• To melt cheese on the patties while still in the pan, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid. Let the cheese melt for one to two minutes.

References

• Bubba Burger: Cooking Techniques
• Butterball: Frozen Seasoned Turkey Burgers
• USDA Food and Safety Inspection: Is It Done Yet?

Resources

• Start Cooking: How to Make a Hamburger