The T. Western BBQ Burger from Buffalo Exchange features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh onion rings, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun for a flavorful and satisfying Western-inspired feast.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster (for buns)
- Small saucepan (for BBQ sauce, if making homemade)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or tray (for assembling)
- Paper towels (for bacon/onion rings)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- BBQ sauce
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Use fresh ground beef for the juiciest patties, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Choose thick-cut bacon to achieve the perfect crispy texture that complements the smoky BBQ sauce. When preparing onion rings, soak sliced onions in buttermilk before dredging in flour and breadcrumbs to ensure a crunchy, golden coating. Toast brioche buns lightly to add a slightly sweet and buttery crunch that balances the savory ingredients. You can easily recreate the T. Western BBQ Burger from Buffalo Exchange with these ingredients for an authentic and satisfying Western-inspired meal.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Shape ground beef into patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness.
- Cook bacon in skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice onion into rings.
- Dredge onion rings in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in skillet; fry onion rings until golden, drain on paper towels.
- Place cheddar cheese slice on each patty to melt.
- Toast brioche buns in oven or toaster.
- Warm BBQ sauce (if using homemade, prepare in saucepan).
- Assemble: Place beef patty with melted cheese on bun bottom.
- Top with crispy bacon, fried onion rings, and BBQ sauce.
- Cover with bun top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The T. Western BBQ Burger from Buffalo Exchange copycat menu recreates the iconic smoky and savory flavors of the original, featuring a char-grilled beef patty with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and crunchy onion rings. If you don't have brioche buns, you can substitute with potato rolls or classic hamburger buns without compromising taste. When frying onion rings, use vegetable oil with a high smoke point and monitor the heat closely to avoid sogginess; alternatively, bake them for a lighter version. You can replace bacon with smoked turkey bacon or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist while maintaining the smoky notes. Keep your cooked bacon and onion rings on paper towels to drain excess oil and preserve crispness before assembly.
Tips
Make sure to shape your beef patties evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout. When frying onion rings, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy texture without sogginess. Use paper towels to drain excess oil from bacon and onion rings to avoid a greasy burger. Toasting the brioche buns just before assembling keeps them from becoming soggy and enhances their flavor--your burger will be more satisfying with this step.
Nutritions
The T. Western BBQ Burger offers a rich source of protein from the 1 lb ground beef and crispy bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D while the fried onion rings contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants from fresh onions. However, this meal is also high in saturated fats and sodium due to ingredients like bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce, so moderation is key for maintaining heart health. You can balance your meal by adding a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
Storage
To keep your T. Western BBQ Burger fresh, store the cooked beef patties, bacon, and onion rings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap the toasted brioche buns in foil or place them in a sealed plastic bag to maintain softness. For best flavor when reheating, warm the patties on a grill or skillet, crisp the onion rings briefly in hot oil, and toast the buns again before assembly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Consider using smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile. Swap traditional fried onion rings for caramelized onions to reduce frying and add a sweet, savory element. For a smoky twist, add chipotle powder to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle smoked paprika on the patty before grilling.
Allergies
The T. Western BBQ Burger contains common allergens including dairy from the cheddar cheese and buttermilk, gluten from the brioche buns and breadcrumbs, and potential soy or sulfites found in some BBQ sauces. Bacon may pose risks for individuals sensitive to pork products, and frying the onion rings in vegetable oil may trigger allergies related to specific oils like soybean or peanut oil. It's important to review all ingredients carefully and inform your server about any food allergies to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
The T. Western BBQ Burger from Buffalo Exchange restaurant stands out for its perfectly balanced smoky barbecue sauce, tender beef patty, and fresh, crisp toppings that create a mouthwatering flavor combination. You will appreciate the rich, juicy meat paired with the unique blend of spices and signature sauce that sets this burger apart from typical offerings. The distinctive taste and quality ingredients make it a rewarding challenge to recreate at home, ensuring your copycat version captures the essence of this beloved menu item. Making your own T. Western BBQ Burger allows you to enjoy the full flavor experience anytime without missing out on Buffalo Exchange's signature culinary craft.