She Strengthens

The Ultimate Fast-Food-Inspired Burger Recipe

Get ready to elevate your burger game with this mouth-watering, In-N-Out-style burger, complete with a savory animal sauce. Pair it with our French Fries recipe (or take it to the next level with our poutine recipe) and finish off with a creamy Drumstick Milk Shake recipe, inspired by the classic Nestle Drumstick.

Yield: 4 burgers
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 1/4 cup dill pickles, sliced
• 3/4 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 4 to 8 thin slices tomato
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 4 slices American cheese

Caramelizing the Onions

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 30 minutes. Be patient, as this step is crucial for that deep, caramelized flavor.

The Animal Sauce

Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar in a bowl; set aside. This creamy sauce is the perfect complement to your juicy burger.

Assembling the Burgers

Shape the beef into four patties, about 5-inches wide. Heat a skillet over medium heat; lightly brush with vegetable oil. Toast the buns on the skillet, split-side down. Spread each toasted bun bottom with about 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture, then top with a few pickles, some lettuce, 1 or 2 slices tomato, and another dollop of the mayonnaise mixture; set aside.

Cooking the Patties

Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Working in batches if necessary, put the patties on the skillet and cook 3 minutes. Spread the mustard on the uncooked side of each patty, then flip and cook for 2 1/2 minutes. Top each patty with cheese and cook for only 30 more seconds for medium doneness.

The Final Touches

Place the patties on the dressed bun halves, add caramelized onions, and the other bun halves. The result is a burger that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.