The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger from TGI Friday's features a juicy, flame-grilled beef patty glazed with a rich whiskey sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy pickles, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun for a savory and smoky flavor experience.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer
- Baking sheet (for bacon)
- Oven or stovetop (for bacon)
- Toasting rack or skillet (for buns)
- Plate or serving tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 8 slices tangy pickles
Ground beef should be fresh and ideally 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best juicy texture in Your burger. Using a good quality whiskey in the glaze enhances the rich, smoky flavor, while balancing with brown sugar, ketchup, and barbecue sauce adds the right amount of sweetness and tang. Crispy bacon is essential, so baking it on a sheet or stovetop until perfectly crunchy will elevate the burger's texture. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, ripe tomato, and tangy pickles provide a crisp contrast to the savory patty and melted cheddar cheese. The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger from TGI Friday's copycat menu delivers an authentic flame-grilled taste with a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Shape ground beef into 4 equal patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Place bacon on a baking sheet; cook in oven or on stovetop until crispy; set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine whiskey, brown sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, onion, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thickened; set aside.
- Grill beef patties until desired doneness, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Baste patties with whiskey glaze during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
- Place cheddar cheese on patties; cover grill to melt cheese.
- Slice tomato and pickles; wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Toast brioche buns on toasting rack or skillet until golden.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato slice, whiskey-glazed patty with melted cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, top bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate or serving tray.
Substitution
The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger from TGI Friday's copycat menu can be customized by substituting whiskey with bourbon or a non-alcoholic whiskey-flavored syrup to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability. You can replace brioche buns with whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier or allergy-friendly option. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, Swiss or pepper jack cheese offers a similarly rich flavor profile. For a smokier taste, consider using smoked paprika in the whiskey glaze or swapping bacon for smoked turkey bacon. When preparing bacon, using an oven-baking sheet ensures even crispiness and frees up stove space for other components.
Tips
Ensure ground beef patties are evenly shaped to cook uniformly on the grill, preventing undercooked centers or overly dry edges. When preparing the whiskey glaze, simmer gently to create a thick, sticky consistency that will cling well to the patties during basting. Use a toasting rack or skillet for buns to achieve a golden, slightly crispy texture that complements the juicy burger and keeps it from becoming soggy. Your bacon should be cooked until crispy but not burnt, adding a perfect balance of texture and flavor to the Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger.
Nutritions
The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger contains approximately 700-850 calories per serving, primarily from the 1/4 pound ground beef patty and bacon, providing a high protein content essential for muscle repair and satiety. The whiskey glaze, made with brown sugar, ketchup, and barbecue sauce, adds sugars contributing to the carbohydrate content, while the cheddar cheese offers calcium and additional protein. Fresh lettuce and tomato contribute vitamins A and C, whereas the brioche bun adds refined carbohydrates that supply quick energy but should be consumed in moderation. Your choice to enjoy this burger balances indulgence with substantial protein and essential nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover whiskey-glazed burger components separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep cooked bacon and beef patties refrigerated for up to 3 days, while fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles should be stored in the crisper drawer for optimal crispness. When reheating, use a skillet or grill to warm patties and bacon evenly, and toast buns briefly to restore their original texture, ensuring your next meal tastes just as flavorful.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. You can switch out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or smoked gouda to add a spicy or smoky twist to the burger. Consider using a bourbon glaze instead of whiskey for a slightly sweeter and richer sauce variation. Toasting the brioche buns with a bit of garlic butter enhances the overall depth of flavor in your Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger.
Allergies
The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the brioche buns. Soy sauce in the glaze may pose a risk for those with soy allergies or gluten sensitivity, as it often contains wheat. If you have allergies, your best approach is to verify each ingredient carefully and inform the restaurant staff about your dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Signature Whiskey-Glazed Burger from TGI Friday's combines a juicy beef patty with a rich whiskey glaze that offers a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Its unique sauce, crafted with premium whiskey and spices, enhances the burger's taste, making each bite flavorful and memorable. The fresh, crisp toppings and toasted bun add texture, complementing the glaze and elevating the overall experience. You'll find recreating this burger at home rewarding as it allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor with customizable ingredients.