Tired of expensive restaurant meals? Craving that juicy, flavorful Red Robin burger experience without leaving your kitchen? Then you're in the right place! This recipe is your ticket to recreating the magic of a Red Robin burger, right in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this delicious and surprisingly easy homemade gourmet burger. It’s a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For the Red Robin-Inspired Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles
Instructions:
Making the Burgers:
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Prepare the patties: Gently combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough burgers. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your buns. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
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Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and allow it to melt.
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Toast the buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the skillet or under a broiler for added flavor and texture. This is a simple yet effective touch for elevating your homemade burger experience.
Making the Red Robin-Style Sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Assembling the Burgers:
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Layer it up: Spread the Red Robin-inspired sauce generously on both halves of each toasted bun. Add lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles to the bottom bun.
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Add the patty: Place the cooked burger patty on top of the vegetables.
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Complete the burger: Top with the other bun half and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Burgers:
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Don't overwork the beef: Overmixing the ground beef will make the burgers tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
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Let the patties rest: After cooking, let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.
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Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the burger patties and sauce to your liking.
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Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding bacon, avocado, different types of cheese, or other vegetables.
Variations:
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Spicy Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the burger patties or sauce for a spicy kick.
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Mushroom Swiss Burger: Substitute Swiss cheese for cheddar and add sautéed mushrooms to the burger for a delicious twist.
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Veggie Burger: Replace the ground beef with your favorite veggie burger patty for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on bun and toppings)
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a gourmet burger experience at home. It’s a fantastic option for healthy meals when you choose leaner beef and load up on vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!