The Works Recipe
Make The Works Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patty & Seasoning
Toppings
Sauce (The Works Sauce)
Buns & Finishing
Optional Add-ons
Method
Burger Patty & Seasoning
- 1
Form patties
Divide the 1 lb ground beef into two even portions (about 8 ounces each). Gently shape each portion into a patty roughly 4 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.
- 2
Season patties
Season both sides of each patty evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Press the seasonings lightly so they adhere but avoid overworking the meat.
Sauce (The Works Sauce)
- 3
Mix sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust—add more relish for sweetness or more hot sauce for heat. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Toppings
- 4
Prepare vegetables
Slice the red onion into thin rings (use half a medium onion). Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds (use one medium tomato). Drain or pat dry dill pickle slices. Separate and rinse butter lettuce leaves; pat dry.
- 5
Cook bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, add the 4 bacon strips and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. If you prefer bacon chewier, cook 4–6 minutes. Reserve about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan for searing patties if desired (careful: hot).
Buns & Finishing
- 6
- 7
Cook patties
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If you reserved bacon fat, use it for extra flavor; otherwise, add a teaspoon of neutral oil. When the pan is hot (it should sizzle when touched with a drop of water), add the patties and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes for medium, or longer to desired doneness. During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.
- 8
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1.5–2 tablespoons of The Works Sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce (this helps keep the bun from getting soggy). Put the cheese-topped patty on the lettuce, then layer 2 bacon strips per burger, 3 pickle slices, tomato slice, and several red onion rings. Add any optional jalapeño slices or a fried egg if using. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately while hot with your choice of side (fries, chips, or a salad). Provide napkins—the Works is a hearty, stacked burger best enjoyed right away.