The Whiskey River BBQ Burger from Red Robin features a juicy flame-grilled beef patty topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crispy onion straws, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh lettuce on a toasted bun, delivering a bold and smoky flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or tray (for onion straws)
- Deep fryer or saucepan (for frying onion straws)
- Paper towels (for draining onion straws)
- Basting brush (optional, for BBQ sauce)
- Bun toaster or toaster
- Plate (for assembling and serving burger)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef ensures the Whiskey River BBQ Burger stays juicy and flavorful during grilling. Smoked cheddar cheese adds a distinct smoky taste that complements the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly. Crispy onion straws require soaking sliced onions in buttermilk before coating with seasoned flour and frying in hot vegetable oil for optimal crunch. Toasting the hamburger buns with butter enhances the burger's overall texture and richness. You can recreate the authentic flavor of Red Robin's Whiskey River BBQ Burger with this copycat recipe at home.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper.
- Slice onion into thin rings.
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk (10–15 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Dredge soaked onion rings in seasoned flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry onion rings until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Grill beef patties 3–4 minutes per side.
- Top each patty with a slice of smoked cheddar cheese; let melt.
- Slice buns and butter them (optional).
- Toast buns on grill, bun toaster, or toaster.
- Brush bottom bun with BBQ sauce.
- Place shredded lettuce on bottom bun.
- Set cheese-topped patty over lettuce.
- Drizzle with more BBQ sauce.
- Add crispy onion straws on top of burger patty.
- Cover with top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Whiskey River BBQ Burger copycat recipe lets you recreate Red Robin's signature flame-grilled beef patty topped with smoked cheddar, crispy onion straws, and tangy BBQ sauce right at home. If you don't have buttermilk for soaking the onions, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tang and tenderizing effect. When deep-frying onion straws, ensure the oil temperature is around 350degF (175degC) to achieve crispiness without excess oil absorption. For a smoky flavor without access to a grill, searing the patties on a hot griddle or cast iron pan works well, and using smoked paprika in the seasoning can enhance the aroma. Your choice of BBQ sauce can greatly alter the taste profile, so feel free to use a brand or homemade variety that best suits your preference.
Tips
Ensure the grill or griddle is properly preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the beef patties to achieve a perfect sear and juicy interior. When frying onion straws, maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to ensure they become golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil; use paper towels to drain them thoroughly. You can enhance the smoky flavor by letting the smoked cheddar cheese melt fully on the patties while still on the grill. Toasting the buns with butter adds extra richness and helps them hold up better against the BBQ sauce and juicy toppings.
Nutritions
Your Whiskey River BBQ Burger contains approximately 700-800 calories per serving, with a significant amount coming from the 80/20 ground beef, which provides a rich source of protein and fat. The smoked cheddar cheese adds calcium and additional protein, while the crispy onion straws contribute carbohydrates and fat from frying. BBQ sauce and bun together increase the sugar and carb content, while the shredded lettuce adds minimal calories but valuable fiber and vitamins.
Storage
Store leftover Whiskey River BBQ Burger components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep cooked beef patties and crispy onion straws in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while storing buns and lettuce separately at room temperature or in a crisp vegetable drawer. When reheating, warm patties on a grill or skillet and re-crisp onion straws in a hot oven to restore their crunch for the best flavor and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with turkey or plant-based patties as a leaner or vegetarian alternative to beef. Swap smoked cheddar for pepper jack or gouda to add a different creamy and smoky dimension. Instead of frying onion rings, consider baking them for a healthier option that still maintains a satisfying crunch. Brush your buns with garlic butter before toasting to enhance flavor and aroma.
Allergies
The Whiskey River BBQ Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from smoked cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and butter, as well as gluten from all-purpose flour and hamburger buns. The presence of onions and spices like garlic powder and paprika may also trigger sensitivities in some individuals. You should check ingredient labels and consult with staff about cross-contact risks if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The S. Whiskey River BBQ Burger from Red Robin restaurant is favored for its bold, smoky flavor profile featuring a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, crispy onion straws, and a tangy Whiskey River BBQ sauce. Its combination of savory ingredients delivers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes that appeals to burger enthusiasts seeking a hearty and flavorful meal. You will find that recreating this popular menu item at home not only allows customization of spice levels and toppings but also provides an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet burger experience without dining out. Making the copycat recipe is worth it for those aiming to replicate the unique taste and indulge in a restaurant-quality burger in the comfort of their kitchen.