The Butter Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake features a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with a generous melting of creamy butter, nestled in a soft, toasted bun, delivering a rich and savory flavor with a glossy, appetizing finish.
Equipments
- Grill or flat-top griddle
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Butter knife
- Burger press (optional)
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Plate or tray
- Bread knife (for buns)
- Toaster or skillet (for toasting buns)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Optional: garlic powder
- Optional: onion powder
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is essential for a juicy and flavorful Butter Steakburger, while unsalted butter ensures a creamy, rich topping that doesn't overpower the beef's taste. Using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances the natural flavors without adding unwanted additives. Toasting the hamburger buns on a skillet or toaster provides a soft yet slightly crisp texture that complements the meltiness of the butter. Optional seasonings like garlic and onion powder can be added to suit your taste, but keep them balanced to maintain the classic flavor profile. Your ingredients and preparation closely mimic the beloved Butter Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake's copycat menu, offering a deliciously savory experience.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or flat-top griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties (use burger press if desired).
- Season patties with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (add garlic/onion powder if using).
- Lightly oil grill or griddle with vegetable oil.
- Place beef patties on hot grill/griddle.
- Cook patties for about 3-4 minutes on first side.
- Flip patties using spatula.
- Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on top of each patty.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes until patties are cooked to preferred doneness and butter is melted.
- While patties cook, slice hamburger buns with bread knife.
- Toast buns cut-side down on skillet, griddle, or toaster until golden.
- Remove patties from grill and let rest briefly on plate.
- Assemble burgers by placing beef patty on bottom bun.
- Brush extra melted butter on patty with basting brush for extra gloss (optional).
- Add top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Butter Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake copycat menu features a rich combination of a juicy, seasoned beef patty and creamy melted butter atop a soft toasted bun that enhances its savory appeal. If unsalted butter is unavailable, you can substitute with lightly salted butter but reduce the added kosher salt to maintain balance. Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio ensures juiciness, but using leaner beef might result in a drier burger unless you add a bit of oil or butter during cooking. Your choice of seasoning can vary; including garlic or onion powder adds depth but is not mandatory if fresh ingredients or simpler seasoning are preferred. Toasting the buns on a grill or skillet with butter provides a richer flavor, but oil can be used as an alternative if butter is scarce in your kitchen.
Tips
Make sure to handle the ground beef gently when forming patties to maintain juiciness and avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to a dense texture. When seasoning, apply kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking to enhance flavor without drawing out excessive moisture. Keep an eye on the butter melting atop each patty, as adding it too early or using too much can cause flare-ups on the grill or greasy burgers. Toast your buns on a hot skillet or griddle cut-side down until golden to create a crisp barrier that prevents sogginess when assembling your Butter Steakburger.
Nutritions
The Butter Steakburger provides a high-protein meal with approximately 80% lean ground beef as its base, supplying essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth. Each patty contains a significant amount of saturated fat, primarily from the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted atop, contributing to its rich flavor and glossy finish but also increasing calorie density. The soft, toasted hamburger buns add approximately 120-150 calories per serving, mainly from carbohydrates, offering energy to your meal. You should be mindful of sodium levels due to kosher salt seasoning and consider balancing this indulgent treat with vegetables or a lighter side.
Storage
To store your Butter Steakburger leftovers, wrap the cooked patties tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the toasted buns separate in a sealed bag or container to prevent sogginess, and consume all components within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat patties gently on a skillet over low heat or in a microwave to preserve juiciness, and toast buns again before assembling to restore their texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute ground beef with ground chuck or a beef blend containing brisket for enhanced flavor and tenderness. You can also incorporate finely minced shallots or Worcestershire sauce into the patty mixture to deepen the savory profile. Instead of unsalted butter, herb-infused butter (such as garlic or rosemary butter) will add aromatic complexity to each bite. Your cooking process can include pressing the patties gently after flipping to ensure even thickness and juiciness without overcompacting the meat.
Allergies
The Butter Steakburger contains common allergens such as dairy from the unsalted butter and gluten from the hamburger buns. You should be cautious if you have lactose intolerance or a wheat allergy, as these ingredients can trigger reactions. Cross-contamination risks exist if the ground beef or buns are processed in facilities handling other allergens.
Why this recipe?
The Butter Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake is celebrated for its juicy, seasoned steak patty topped with a generous pat of melted butter that enhances the flavor and richness. This burger's unique combination of tender beef and creamy butter creates a savory, indulgent taste that keeps customers returning. You'll find that replicating this recipe at home allows for customization and freshness, offering a superior experience compared to fast food. Making a copycat version is worth it due to its distinctive taste profile and the satisfaction of enjoying a gourmet burger crafted to your preference.