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Juicy Smash Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe Easy Homemade Secret Sauce

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These juicy smash burger lettuce wraps feature crispy lettuce instead of buns and a creamy, tangy secret sauce, delivering a satisfying yet light burger experience perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • Iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves, crisp and sturdy
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pickle relish
  • A few dashes hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce (if using), and lemon juice. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Place ground beef in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just to combine.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
  5. Divide beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115 g each). Roll each into a loose ball.
  6. Place one ball on the hot skillet and immediately smash down with a spatula until about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Repeat for each patty, cooking in batches if needed.
  7. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a dark brown crust forms. Flip, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through but still juicy.
  8. While patties cook, heat a small pan with a splash of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet, about 10 minutes.
  9. Assemble wraps by placing a cooked patty on a lettuce leaf, spooning caramelized onions and secret sauce over the top, adding optional toppings, then folding the lettuce around it like a taco.
  10. Serve immediately while patties are juicy and lettuce is crisp.

Notes

Use a very hot skillet to get a crispy crust on the patties. Do not overmix the beef to keep patties tender. Smash patties firmly but not too thin to avoid breaking. The secret sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Store patties and sauce separately if making ahead. Lettuce wraps are best served fresh to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, lettuce wraps, secret sauce, quick dinner, low carb, gluten free, easy recipe, homemade burger

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/juicy-smash-burger-lettuce-wraps-recipe-easy-homemade-secret-sauce/