The Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets features a juicy beef patty topped with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy onion rings, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Spatula
- Deep Fryer
- Tongs
- Saucepan or small pot
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Toaster or Pan for buns
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Plate or tray for assembly
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Lettuce leaves
When preparing your Smoke House Burger, choose fresh ground beef with a good fat content (around 80/20) to ensure juiciness. Use sharp cheddar cheese for melting evenly over the patty, enhancing the smoky barbecue flavor. Make sure to soak the onion rings in buttermilk before dredging in flour and panko for a crispy, golden texture. Toast brioche buns lightly to add a subtle crunch and prevent sogginess from the barbecue sauce. Your homemade Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets copycat menu will offer an authentic, satisfying taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Season ground beef with salt and black pepper; form into 4 patties.
- Slice onion into rings.
- Dredge onion rings in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in deep fryer; fry onion rings until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness.
- In a saucepan, warm barbecue sauce.
- In final minute of grilling, place cheddar cheese on patties to melt.
- Split and toast brioche buns.
- Assemble burger: Place lettuce on bottom bun, add beef patty with melted cheese, spoon barbecue sauce over, top with crispy onion rings, and finish with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets copycat menu offers a succulent beef patty layered with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy onion rings, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce on a toasted brioche bun. If brioche buns are unavailable, you can substitute with a soft potato roll or a classic sesame seed hamburger bun for a similar texture and flavor. When frying onion rings, feel free to use standard all-purpose oil if vegetable oil is not at hand, ensuring a crispy, golden finish. Should you lack buttermilk for the batter, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to achieve a similar tangy effect. Your grill or griddle can be easily replaced with a cast-iron skillet to cook the patties evenly if outdoor equipment is inaccessible.
Tips
Ensure the grill or griddle is fully preheated before cooking the beef patties to achieve a proper sear that locks in juices for a flavorful Smoke House Burger. When preparing onion rings, maintain the cold temperature of buttermilk to ensure the panko coating adheres well and crisps perfectly during frying. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your patties for food safety, aiming for at least 160degF (71degC) to prevent undercooking. Toasting the brioche buns just before assembling helps retain their texture and adds a subtle crunch that complements the juicy beef and crunchy onion rings in your burger.
Nutritions
The Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets offers a rich source of protein from the juicy beef patty, which supports muscle repair and growth. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health. Crispy onion rings contribute carbohydrates and fiber but are fried, increasing calorie and fat content. Your meal provides a balance of macronutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to the fried toppings and barbecue sauce sugar content.
Storage
Store leftover Smoke House Burger components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep cooked beef patties and crispy onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat the patties on a grill or griddle and the onion rings in an oven to retain crispiness. Store buns and lettuce separately at room temperature and in the fridge, respectively, to prevent sogginess and wilting, ensuring your burger remains flavorful when assembled later.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that still pairs well with smoky barbecue sauce. Swap cheddar cheese for smoked gouda or pepper jack to introduce a different, rich flavor profile that complements the smoky notes. Baking the onion rings instead of deep frying reduces oil usage, making the dish lighter while retaining crunch when coated with panko breadcrumbs. Toasting the brioche buns with a light brush of garlic butter enhances the aroma and adds an extra layer of savory flavor to your burger.
Allergies
Your beloved Smoke House Burger contains common allergens such as wheat from the brioche buns, all-purpose flour, and panko breadcrumbs, which pose a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Dairy is present in the cheddar cheese and buttermilk, making it unsuitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Additionally, the smoky barbecue sauce may contain hidden allergens or preservatives, so always check the label carefully if you have food sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
The Smoke House Burger from Johnny Rockets boasts a perfect blend of juicy beef, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and crispy onion rings, delivering a rich, satisfying flavor profile. Its combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasoning creates an irresistible burger experience that keeps customers coming back. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to recreate this beloved taste at home, customizing the ingredients to your preference while enjoying a gourmet meal at a fraction of the cost. Your homemade Smoke House Burger offers the comfort of restaurant-quality taste with the convenience of your own kitchen.