Big Wave from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp onions, and savory pickles, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun, delivering a flavorful and satisfying burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Tongs
- Bun toaster or toaster oven
- Plate or platter
- Burger press (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato
- 1 small red onion
- 8 dill pickle slices
- Salt
- Black pepper
Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef with a balanced fat content around 15-20% for juicy and flavorful patties. Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp lettuce to maintain freshness and texture in your burger. Use freshly sliced onions and pickles for an ideal blend of sharpness and tanginess. Toasting the sesame seed buns enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess while layering your ingredients. Your next meal can replicate the Big Wave from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks copycat menu by carefully selecting and prepping these key ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty using your hands or a burger press.
- Season both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper.
- Slice tomato and onion into rings using a chef’s knife on a cutting board.
- Slice cheddar cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Place beef patties on grill.
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on one side.
- Flip patties with spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until desired doneness.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking; allow it to melt.
- Toast sesame seed buns on the grill or in a bun toaster until golden.
- Place bottom buns on a plate or platter.
- Add shredded lettuce to each bottom bun.
- Top lettuce with tomato slices.
- Place cooked beef patty with melted cheese on tomato.
- Add onion rings and pickle slices on each patty.
- Cover with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Big Wave from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks copycat recipe allows you to recreate a juicy beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles on a sesame seed bun at home. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. Fresh cheddar slices can be swapped with any melting cheese like American or Monterey Jack to suit your taste. When fresh lettuce, tomato, or onions are unavailable, pre-shredded lettuce, tomato sauce, or sauteed onions can be used in a pinch. Toasting the buns enhances texture but can be skipped if you prefer a softer bun, ensuring your Big Wave burger matches your personal preference.
Tips
Ensure the grill is properly preheated to medium-high to achieve a perfect sear on your beef patties, locking in juices for maximum flavor. Use fresh, evenly sliced vegetables--tomato rings, onion rings, and shredded lettuce--to maintain a crisp texture and balanced taste in every bite. Toasting the sesame seed buns until golden enhances both flavor and structural integrity, preventing sogginess during assembly. Remember to season your patties generously with salt and black pepper on both sides before grilling to bring out the full beef flavor in your Big Wave burger.
Nutritions
The Big Wave burger contains approximately 500-600 calories per serving, with protein coming primarily from the 1 lb of ground beef, providing around 20-25 grams per patty. The cheddar cheese adds about 70-90 calories and 5-7 grams of protein per slice, along with calcium and fats. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onions contribute fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, while the sesame seed bun offers carbohydrates for energy and some healthy fats from the seeds. You can customize your meal to balance calorie intake by adjusting beef portions or adding more vegetables for added nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Big Wave burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep individual components like lettuce, tomato, and pickles separate in small containers to prevent sogginess. Your best option for reheating is to warm the beef patties gently on a grill or stovetop while toasting the buns to restore texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Swiss to add a different flavor profile to your burger. Using a cast iron skillet instead of a grill helps retain juices and creates a nice crust on the patty. If you prefer a smoky taste, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the ground beef before forming patties. For added texture, mix finely chopped mushrooms into the ground beef to keep the burger moist and flavorful.
Allergies
Your Big Wave burger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and gluten from the sesame seed buns, which may trigger reactions in people with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Sesame seeds on the bun can cause allergic responses in individuals sensitive to sesame. Be cautious if you have allergies to any ingredients like dairy, gluten, or sesame seeds before consuming this burger.
Why this recipe?
Fans of Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks rave about the Big Wave menu for its perfectly grilled burgers featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, tropical flavors inspired by Hawaiian cuisine. The combination of juicy beef patties, melted cheeses, crisp lettuce, and signature sauces delivers a satisfying taste experience that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate these mouthwatering flavors at home, ensuring you can enjoy the unique blend of savory and sweet elements without waiting in line. Your culinary skills will shine while capturing the essence of a popular restaurant favorite.