Craving that iconic In-N-Out Burger taste but don't live near one? Don't worry! This recipe lets you recreate the deliciousness of this West Coast favorite right in your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy, a fantastic quick dinner idea, and perfect for satisfying those burger cravings with a homemade touch. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal – let's dive in!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes two juicy In-N-Out style burgers.
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 slices American cheese (thinly sliced is best)
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- Special Sauce (recipe below)
- Lettuce leaves (e.g., crisp iceberg or butter lettuce)
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your Special Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the special sauce ingredients until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. This is a simple step that elevates the entire burger experience!
- Prepare your onion: Thinly slice the onion. You want it to be easily manageable in your burger.
Make the Burgers:
- Gently combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Form the beef into two equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. For that melty cheese, add the cheese slices to the top of each patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Toast your buns lightly on the griddle or in a separate pan for a warm, flavorful base.
Assemble Your Masterpiece:
- Spread a generous amount of Special Sauce on both halves of each bun.
- Layer lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the cooked burger patty, onion slices, and top with the other bun half.
Tips for In-N-Out Perfection:
- Meat Quality Matters: Using a good quality 80/20 ground beef blend is key for achieving juicy and flavorful burgers.
- Don't Overwork the Meat: Overmixing the beef can result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients just until they are evenly distributed.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Cook the patties to your desired doneness. Using a meat thermometer is recommended for accuracy.
- Thinly Sliced Cheese: Using thinly sliced American cheese ensures it melts perfectly onto the burger patty.
Variations:
- Add Some Crunch: Include crispy fried onions or bacon for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the burger patties for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with veggie burgers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Nutritional Information (per burger, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on bun and toppings)
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious homemade In-N-Out burger! It’s a healthy and easy meal option that tastes just as good as the original. Let us know how yours turned out in the comments!