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Big Mac Clone

This recipe recreates the iconic Big Mac, focusing on its distinctive "special sauce" and double-decker assembly. It involves preparing flavorful, thin beef patties, toasting buns, and layering fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, and minced onion, all brought together with a tangy, creamy secret sauce for a nostalgic fast-food experience at home.
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Total Time 39 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 4947.7
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 0.66666668653488 pound ground beef 85% lean
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1.5 teaspoons white wine vinegar or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 4 hamburger bun bottoms
  • 2 hamburger bun tops
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion or to taste
  • 0.5 cup shredded lettuce or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle slices or to taste
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls One for sauce, one for beef/toppings.
  • 1 Large Skillet or Flat-top Griddle For cooking beef patties and toasting buns.
  • 1 Spatula For flipping patties and handling buns.
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons and Cups For accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
  • 1 Sharp Knife and Cutting Board For mincing onion and shredding lettuce.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Form Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Form each portion into very thin, wide patties, slightly larger than your hamburger buns, then season both sides generously with salt and ground black pepper.
  3. Cook Patties: Heat a large skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through, achieving a slight crust.
  4. Toast Buns: While the patties cook, lightly toast the hamburger bun bottoms, tops, and any extra middle bun pieces (if using for the authentic three-part bun structure) on the griddle or in a toaster until golden and lightly crisped.
  5. Prepare Toppings: Mince the fresh onion finely, shred the lettuce, and ensure dill pickle slices are ready for assembly.
  6. Assemble the Bottom Layer: On a toasted bun bottom, spread a generous spoonful of special sauce, followed by a layer of shredded lettuce, half a slice of American cheese, and one cooked beef patty.
  7. Add the Middle Bun: Place a toasted middle bun piece (or another bun bottom) on top of the first patty and cheese layer.
  8. Assemble the Top Layer: Spread more special sauce on the middle bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, minced onion, dill pickle slices, and the second beef patty.
  9. Finish Assembly: Top with the remaining toasted bun top.
  10. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Big Mac clone while warm, ensuring all components are fresh and crisp.

Notes

For the 'special sauce,' allow it to meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour for optimal flavor development. Adjust white wine vinegar to achieve a balanced tang. When forming patties, aim for very thin, wide discs that will shrink to fit the bun. Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking. Toasting the buns, especially the middle bun, provides crucial textural contrast and prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy. For an elevated experience, use a high-quality lean ground beef and consider finely dicing fresh onion instead of relying solely on powder for the sauce, adding a vibrant bite. Ensure all fresh toppings like lettuce and pickles are well-drained to maintain crispness.