The Classic ShackBurger from Shake Shack features a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and ShackSauce, all nestled in a soft, toasted potato bun, delivering a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and satisfying burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or small spatula (for ShackSauce)
- Plate or tray (for assembly)
- Toaster or skillet (for buns)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 (4 oz) ground beef patties (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 potato buns
- 2 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For ShackSauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 4 slices kosher dill pickle
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Using an 80/20 ground beef blend is essential to achieve the juicy, flavorful patty typical of the Classic ShackBurger. Fresh, crisp green leaf lettuce and ripe tomatoes provide the ideal crunch and freshness that balance the rich components. ShackSauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and paprika for a tangy, creamy finish that closely mimics the original sauce flavor. Toasting the potato buns adds a subtle texture contrast and prevents them from becoming soggy during assembly. You can recreate the Classic ShackBurger from Shake Shack at home by carefully following these ingredient proportions and preparation methods for the ultimate copycat experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to high heat.
- Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Tear lettuce leaves into bun-sized pieces.
- Toast potato buns on toaster or skillet until golden.
- Season ground beef patties with salt and black pepper.
- Grill patties 2-3 minutes on the first side.
- Flip patties; top each with a slice of American cheese.
- Cook until cheese is melted and patties reach desired doneness.
- Make ShackSauce: finely chop dill pickles.
- In mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, and paprika; mix well.
- Spread ShackSauce on top bun halves.
- Place cooked patties on bottom bun halves.
- Top each patty with lettuce and a tomato slice.
- Close burgers with prepared top buns.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Classic ShackBurger from Shake Shack copycat menu recreates the signature juicy beef patty with American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and tangy ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. When ground beef is unavailable, you can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter or vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have potato buns, brioche or sesame seed buns work well to maintain softness and enhance the burger's texture. For ShackSauce, mixing equal parts mayo, ketchup, and mustard is essential, but you can adjust garlic powder and paprika to your taste preference. Keep pickles crispy and fresh, or try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist on the classic tang.
Tips
Ensure patties are seasoned just before grilling to maintain juiciness and avoid drawing out moisture. Use an 80/20 ground beef blend to achieve optimal fat content for flavor and tenderness. Toast buns until golden to add texture and prevent sogginess from the sauce or burger juices. When spreading ShackSauce, apply it evenly to enhance every bite without overwhelming other flavors, making your ShackBurger taste just right.
Nutritions
The Classic ShackBurger provides a hearty source of protein from its 80/20 ground beef patties, which are rich in essential amino acids and healthy fats that support muscle repair and energy. Melted American cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, contributing to bone health. Fresh lettuce and tomato slices offer dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support your immune system. The ShackSauce, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles, delivers flavor with moderate amounts of fats and sodium, so enjoy your burger as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Classic ShackBurger components separately to maintain freshness: keep beef patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and store buns in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for 1-2 days. Lettuce and tomato slices are best stored in a separate container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, extending their crispness for 1-2 days. Your homemade ShackSauce can be refrigerated in a jar with a tight lid and used within a week.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences. Swap American cheese for sharp cheddar or Swiss for a richer flavor profile that complements the ShackSauce. Consider adding caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms during the last grilling minutes to enhance the burger's umami taste. Your ShackBurger will maintain its satisfying balance while offering a new twist to suit your palate.
Allergies
The Classic ShackBurger contains common allergens such as dairy from American cheese and mayonnaise, and eggs present in the mayonnaise as well. The potato bun includes gluten, which may cause reactions for individuals with wheat allergies or celiac disease. You should be cautious if you are sensitive to any of these ingredients before enjoying this burger.
Why this recipe?
The Classic ShackBurger from Shake Shack is celebrated for its juicy, perfectly seasoned Angus beef patty, complemented by melted American cheese and fresh, crisp lettuce on a soft, buttery potato bun. Its balanced flavor profile, featuring ShackSauce--a secret recipe with a tangy, slightly sweet taste--creates an irresistible bite that keeps customers coming back. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet burger experience at home, customize ingredients to your liking, and save money without compromising on quality. Replicating the Classic ShackBurger captures the essence of Shake Shack's signature menu item, giving you satisfaction in both flavor and creativity.