If you’re looking to make fast food that’s succulent, smoked, and even better than takeout, make the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. Burger. This fast food favorite remains a delight, delivering a truly delicious and comforting meal.
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The Ultimate Copycat Carl’s Jr. Burger: Smoky, Juicy, and Better Than Takeout –
When you’re craving a juicy, flame-grilled burger from Carl’s Jr. and don’t want to leave your home, the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. Burger recipe makes all your dreams come true when made at home. This copycat Carl’s Jr. Burger is a hit with everyone – it combines everything you love about fast food favorites.
It’s made with a smoked, charbroiled beef patty, crisp lettuce, melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, and Carl’s Jr.’s signature sauce, all nestled between buttery sesame buns.
With step-by-step instructions for making this recipe, you can dive in and enjoy the iconic Carl’s Jr. burger at home, and be sure to treat your family and friends. The flavor is so amazing that it brings you right back to the kitchen. This is perfect for backyard barbecues, game nights, or just for a restaurant-quality burger without the drive-thru line.
Reasons to love the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. burger:
- Ingredients are readily available
- It’s easy to make at home, delivering a restaurant-like taste.
- You can customize it with toppings to your liking.
- It’s perfectly balanced, offering spicy, smoky, and salty flavors.
- It’s ready in less than 25 to 30 minutes.
All ingredients needed:
If you want to make Carl’s Jr. Original Style Charbroiled Burgers at home, first gather all the ingredients mentioned and then start making them. All these ingredients are easily available at your nearest store.
Ingredients for Burger Patties:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for juiciness
Ingredients for Carl’s Jr. Special Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
Ingredients for Burger Assembly:
- 1 teaspoon chives, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons butter, to toast buns
- 4 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame-seed hamburger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves, crisp iceberg or romaine
- 8 slices dill pickle
- 8 slices tomato
Optional ingredients:
- Drop of barbecue sauce
- Jalapeño
- Onion Rings, Western Bacon Style
- Crispy Bacon Strips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow all the steps to make the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. burger. You’ll be able to make it at home in very easy steps.
1. Preparing the Special Sauce
- A great Carl’s Jr. sauce is the secret sauce that ties everything together. It’s spicy, creamy, and slightly smoky.
- First, use a small bowl and whisk together the ketchup, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, paprika, vinegar, and onion powder.
- Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and completely incorporated.
- Once combined, taste it and adjust seasonings if needed. Adding a pinch of sugar can enhance the flavor.
- Be sure to chill the sauce in the refrigerator for 25 to 30 minutes before making the burgers.
Important Tip: The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days after making it. It’s delicious with fries.
2. Forming and Seasoning the Patties
- Divide the minced beef into four equal portions, each 1/4 pound.
- Now gently flatten them into 1/2-inch-thick patties, pressing a small depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Now season both sides of the mixture with garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire.
Important tip – Never overcook the meat; this can make your burger too tough.
3. Cooking the Patties
- You can use a cast iron skillet, grill, or grill to cook the patties.
- Copycat Carl’s Jr. burgers use a charbroiler to create a smoky flavor, so let’s replicate this:
Grilling method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
- Grill the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Place your patties on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness.
- At the last minute, add the cheese slices and let them melt.
Stovetop Method –
- Use a cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat, lightly oiling it with oil or butter.
- Now, sear the patties on all sides, browning them for 4 to 5 minutes, and continue to cook until the cheese melts, creating the perfect copycat Carl’s Jr. burger.
Optional: For a more smoky flavor, sprinkle a pinch of liquid smoke over the beef mixture or drizzle with barbecue sauce at the end.
4. Toasting the Buns
- Lightly butter the inside of each bun and place them on the grill or griddle for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp and golden brown before flipping them over.
Important Tip: This step is crucial as it ensures crispness and prevents the bun from becoming soggy.
5. Making the Burger
- Now comes the fun part: turning your copycat Carl’s Jr. burger into a masterpiece!
- First, apply a spoonful of the special sauce to the bottom bun.
- Top the sauce with pickles and onion rings or slices of raw onion.
- Place the cheese-covered patty on top.
- Add a tomato slice, lettuce, and a little special sauce.
- Place the other half of the bun on top.
- Serve immediately while it’s hot and juicy.
- Your perfect copycat Carl’s Jr. burger recipe is ready to be served and enjoyed.
Adding a Twist:
- The ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. burger is popular for creating your own creative burger variations. Feel free to choose your own flavors.
- For a Western Bacon Burger, add barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and an onion ring.
- For a Double Cheese Burger, add two patties for extra flavor.
- For a Guacamole Bacon Burger, add guacamole, Swiss cheese, and bacon.
- For a Jalapeño Thickburger, add jalapeño, pepper jack cheese, and spicy mayo.
Serving Suggestions for the Copycat Carl’s Jr. Burger:
- You can serve it with a cold milkshake or soda.
- You can try potato chips or coleslaw.
- For a delicious burger, add crispy french fries or an onion ring.
Storing and Reheating –
- Leftover patties, without buns or vegetables, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- They can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet until warm.
- Prepared burgers should never be reheated, as they taste best fresh.
FAQ
Some questions about the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. burger are answered, explaining how to correct mistakes made while making it.
Q. Can this burger be made with chicken or turkey?
Yes! You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lower-fat option, just add a little olive oil to keep the meat moist.
Q. Can the sauce be made in advance?
Yes! The special sauce can be made 4 to 5 days in advance and refrigerate in a sealed jar.
Q. What makes the copycat Carl’s Jr. burger unique?
This copycat Carl’s Jr. burger is famous for its charbroiled, open-fire, smoky grilled flavor.
This recipe can be recreated by using smoke paprika and grilling the patties.
Q, Is it vegetarian?
Yes! Use a grilled plant-based burger, like Beyond Meat or the Impossible Burger. Be sure to avoid beef patties. Be sure to use vegan mayo, as the sauce is made entirely plant-based.
Q. Which buns are best for making Carl’s Jr. burgers?
A buttery sesame seed bun is perfect with the juicy patties and sauce. A potato bun is also delicious.
Chef Tips –
- For the perfect copycat Carl’s Jr. burger, there are a few key things to keep in mind, which you should try in this recipe and for a classic take.
- Letting the patties rest is essential – after grilling, let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the juices stay inside.
- Crate the layers wisely – to avoid soggy buns, start with the sauce on the bottom and the pickles on top.
- Don’t press the patties – as pressing them while cooking will cause all the juices to escape.
- A crown topping should be used, as the crisp lettuce and ripe tomato flavor make a huge difference to the dish.
Nutrition:
- Carbohydrate 42 grams
- Protein 34 grams
- Calories 640
- Sodium 880 milligrams
- Fat 38 grams
Conclusion:
Everything you need to know to make the ultimate copycat Carl’s Jr. burger has been revealed, and you can whip up a juicy, smoking, fresh, and delicious recipe at home. Each easy step-by-step recipe will allow you to avoid the hassle of a drive-thru and create a truly iconic Carl’s Jr. burger in your own kitchen.
Make it at home and treat your friends and family.