Try to keep the burger meat away from fruit and vegetables.

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. Beef and lamb patties need to reach 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties need to be 165 °F (74 °C). This ensures that the patties are safe to eat. [5] X Research source Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. [6] X Research source

Purchase Ziplock bags from the grocery store.

Don’t use hot water as that will heat up the outer layer of the patties which can cause harmful bacteria to multiply quickly.

If you are defrosting less than 1 pound (0. 45 kg) of patties you may not need to change the water as the patties will likely defrost within 30 minutes. [9] X Research source

Cook beef and lamb patties to 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties to 165 °F (74 °C). Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. Continue to cook the patties until they reach the specified temperatures. [11] X Research source If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to eat the burgers at a later date, store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Check the bottom of the plate to make sure it has a “microwave-safe” label. If in doubt, use a glass or ceramic plate.

If the microwave doesn’t have a “defrost” setting, set the heat to 50% and check the burger patties every 5 minutes.

Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the patties. Cook beef and lamb patties to 160 °F (71 °C) and chicken patties to 165 °F (74 °C). [15] X Research source Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.