How To Cook Frozen Burgers In The Microwave (Easy Steps)

Categorized as Microwave Cooking
How To Cook Frozen Burgers In The Microwave

You’ve been craving a burger all day long. You open up the freezer and see that you have some frozen burgers that would be perfect.

But then you start to wonder, can you cook frozen burgers in the microwave? And if so, what are the right steps?

Never fear, this blog post will explain everything you need to know about cooking up a delicious frozen burger in the microwave.

Can You Cook a Frozen Burger in the Microwave?

You can cook a frozen burger in the microwave, but it depends on the type of burger. Some frozen burgers are pre-cooked and made specifically for microwave cooking, while others may not turn out as well.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check the packaging before cooking or visit the website of the company that made the burgers.

Precooked frozen burgers are a convenient option when you’re short on time. Just pop them in the microwave and you’re good to go. White Castle is one brand that offers burgers that can be microwaved.

Some people say that microwaving frozen burgers results in a less than an ideal burger. The patty can end up being overcooked or rubbery.

If you’re careful, however, as long as you follow the instructions on the package, you can microwave a frozen burger without any issues.

In my whole life, I’ve cooked frozen burgers in the microwave probably more times than I can count. And while they’re not the same as a fresh burger off the grill, in a pinch, they’ll do just fine.

Here’re the steps you need to take to cook a frozen burger in the microwave:

  1. Remove the burger from the packaging and wrap it in a paper towel.
  2. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for 40 seconds on high power. For frozen patty add 25-35 seconds.
  3. Flip the burger over and microwave for an additional 40 seconds on high power.
  4. Let the burger rest for a minute before eating.
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Is It Safe to Cook a Frozen Burger in the Microwave?

The good news is that, as long as you cook the burger until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it is perfectly safe to eat.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking all ground beef, regardless of whether it’s fresh or frozen, to an internal temperature of 160°F.

To make sure your burger reaches this temperature, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patty.

To check the internal temperature of a burger, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. You’ll know the burger is done when the thermometer reads 160°F.

Be Careful Not All Frozen Burgers Are Created Equal

Although it is safe to cook a frozen burger in the microwave, not all frozen burgers are created equal.

Whereas some brands use high-quality ingredients and process their burgers with care, others use lower-quality ingredients and fill their burgers with all sorts of harmful additives.

So, how can you tell which frozen burger is the best option? Start by reading the nutrition label. Look for a burger that is low in sodium and fat, and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.

You should also check the ingredient list to make sure that the burger is made with 100% beef. A higher price does not always mean a better burger, but it is usually a good indicator of quality.

With so many options now available, there’s no reason to settle for an inferior product.

How Long Do You Cook a Frozen Burger in the Microwave?

The cook time for a frozen burger in the microwave will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, the brand of burger, the number of burgers you’re cooking, and the thickness of the burgers.

In general, you should cook the burger for 40 seconds on each side. For a frozen patty, you may need to add 25 to 35 seconds to each side. Here we use a 1000-watt microwave.

You may need to increase or decrease the cooking time depending on your microwave. Start with 40 seconds and add more time if needed.

How To Cook a Frozen Burger in the Microwave

Here are the instructions for cooking a frozen burger in the microwave:

1. Remove the burger from the packaging and wrap it in a paper towel

The first step is to remove the burger from the packaging and wrap it in a paper towel. Tuck the ends of the paper towel under the burger so it’s completely covered. This will help to trap in the steam and prevent the burger from drying out.

2. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate and cook it for 40 seconds on high power

Next, place the burger on a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to high power and cook the burger for 40 seconds. If you’re cooking a frozen patty, you may need to add 25-35 seconds to the cooking time so the burger has time to defrost.

3. Flip the burger over and microwave the other side for 40 seconds

After the first 40 seconds, flip the burger over and tuck the ends of the paper towel under it again. Put the burger back in the microwave and cook it for an additional 40 seconds on high power.

4. Let the burger rest for a minute before eating

Once the burger is cooked through, let it rest for a minute or two before eating. This will give it time to finish cooking.

5. Serve the burger with your favorite toppings

Once the burger has rested, it’s time to eat! Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Can You Reheat an Already Cooked Frozen Burger in the Microwave?

When it comes to frozen burgers, I would not recommend reheating an already cooked burger in the microwave more than once.

The reason for this is that the burger will start to dry out and become tough. If you must reheat a cooked burger, I would recommend splashing some water on it or other liquid (broth, etc.) to help keep it moist.

This will help to prevent the burger from drying out and becoming tough.

Will a Frozen Beef Burger Brown if it’s Microwaved?

Frozen beef burgers will not come out dark brown if you cook them in the microwave. This is because the way microwaves work is different from how ovens work.

Ovens heat food by using air to transfer heat to the food. This is why you often see browning on the top and bottom of oven-cooked foods.

Microwaves, on the other hand, heat food by vibrating the water molecules in the food but the air around the food does not get hot.

This is why you don’t see the same type of browning on microwaved foods as you do with oven-cooked foods. However, just because your burger doesn’t look brown on the outside doesn’t mean it isn’t cooked all the way through.

The best way to tell if a burger is done is to use a food thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if you’re looking for a more traditional browned appearance, you can use a browning dish that will bring similar results to what you would get from an oven or skillet.

Conclusion

Frozen burgers can be cooked in the microwave but it’s important to take care so that they don’t dry out. Be sure to wrap the burger in a paper towel and flip it halfway through cooking. Let the burger rest for a minute before eating.

If you’re looking for a more traditional browned appearance, you can use a browning dish that will bring similar results to what you would get from an oven or skillet.

And that’s it! Now you know how to cook a frozen burger in the microwave. So go ahead and try my tips the next time you’re in a pinch and need a quick burger fix.

Thanks for reading!

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!