Description
Savor the fresh, juicy taste of the California Burger, combining perfectly seasoned ground beef patties with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy red onions. This West Coast-inspired burger balances hearty, savory flavors with bright and vibrant toppings, making every bite satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Patty
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
For the Toppings
- 4 slices ripe tomato (vine-ripened)
- 4 leaves leafy lettuce (green leaf or butter lettuce)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion rings
For the Bun
- 4 brioche buns
- Butter, for toasting
Condiments
- Mayonnaise or aioli, as needed
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef patties: Start with quality ground beef seasoned simply with salt and pepper; gently form into even-sized patties slightly larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook the patties: Grill or pan-sear the patties over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked and juices run clear. Add cheese slices in the last minute and cover for perfect melt.
- Toast the buns: Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them on the grill or skillet until golden brown, adding extra flavor and preventing sogginess.
- Assemble the burger: Spread a layer of mayonnaise or aioli on both bun halves, place the cooked patty on the bottom bun, then layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and red onion rings.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with the bun crown, press gently, and serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm.
Notes
- Don’t overwork the meat to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Use ripe avocados that give slightly when pressed for the best creamy texture.
- Prep veggies just before assembling to preserve freshness and crunch.
- Allow cooked patties to rest for a couple of minutes to maximize juiciness.
- Keep extra sauces or pickles on the side to customize burgers to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg