Homemade In-N-Out Style Protein Double-Double

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Prepare the 'Secret Spread': In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

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   2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce leaves. Slice the tomatoes. Finely dice half of the white onion; set aside about half of the diced onion to mix into the spread, and reserve the rest for optional topping. Have pickle slices ready.

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   3. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a thin, round patty, slightly larger than your cheese slices, as they will shrink during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

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   4. Cook the patties: Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering. Once hot, place 4 patties onto the skillet. For the 'fried mustard' technique, immediately squirt a small amount of yellow mustard onto the uncooked side of each patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a nice crust forms.

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   5. Flip and cheese: Flip the patties. If using the mustard technique, the mustard side should now be facing down and will caramelize. Immediately place one slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness (medium-well is typical for In-N-Out). Transfer cooked patties to a plate and repeat with the remaining 4 patties and cheese.

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   6. Assemble the burgers: Lay out 4 large, sturdy lettuce leaves to serve as the 'buns'. Stack two cheeseburger patties on each lettuce leaf. Dollop a generous amount of the prepared 'Secret Spread' onto the top patty. Add sliced tomatoes, finely diced onion (if desired), and pickle slices.

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   7. Wrap and serve: Carefully fold the lettuce leaves around the assembled burger to form a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade In-N-Out Style Protein Double-Double!