How Long Can Grilled Burgers Sit Out?
Grilled burgers are a staple of summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings. But how long can you leave them sitting out before they go bad? And how do you store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious?
Grilled burgers should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. After this timeframe, they should be refrigerated or discarded.
Proper food handling, including maintaining temperature control, is crucial to ensure food safety and prevent the risk of food poisoning.
How Long Can Grilled Burgers Sit Out?
Grilled burgers should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, potentially causing foodborne illness.
If the temperature outside is above 90°F, the time limit for leaving food out drops to one hour. This is because high temperatures can cause bacteria to grow even faster.
Tips for Storing Grilled Burgers
To keep your grilled burgers fresh and safe to eat, follow these tips:
- Refrigerate promptly: If you’re not going to eat your grilled burgers right away, refrigerate them promptly. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help prevent bacteria from growing and keep your burgers fresh.
- Use a food thermometer: To ensure that your burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a food thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Reheat properly: If you’re reheating leftover grilled burgers, make sure to do so properly. Reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria that may have grown.
Do’s and Don’ts of Storing Grilled Burgers
Do:
- Refrigerate promptly
- Use a food thermometer
- Reheat properly
Don’t:
- Leave burgers sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F)
- Store burgers in the fridge for more than three to four days
- Refreeze burgers that have already been thawed
How Can You Tell If a Grilled Burger Has Gone Bad?
If a grilled burger has gone bad, it may have a sour or rancid smell, a slimy texture, or a gray or brown color. If you’re unsure whether a burger is still good, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Can You Freeze Grilled Burgers?
You can freeze grilled burgers. To do so, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Grilled burgers can be frozen for up to three to four months.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Grilled Burgers?
The best way to thaw frozen grilled burgers is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
Alternatively, you can thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting, or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water until thawed.
How Long Can You Store Cooked Burgers in the Fridge?
Cooked burgers can be stored in the fridge for up to three to four days. Make sure to refrigerate them promptly and keep them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Can You Eat Cold Grilled Burgers?
Yes, you can eat cold grilled burgers, but they may not be as enjoyable as when they’re fresh and hot. If you’re eating a cold burger, make sure it has been stored properly and is not past its expiration date.
Conclusion
In summary, grilled burgers should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
To store grilled burgers properly, refrigerate them promptly, use a food thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature, and reheat them properly if necessary.
When storing grilled burgers, follow the do’s and don’ts listed above to ensure food safety and deliciousness.
