Doner Krunch Burger Recipe

Prepare doner meat

If using pre-sliced doner meat, pat dry with paper towel. Toss the meat with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. When shimmering, add the doner slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear 2–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are crisp and meat is heated through. Remove from pan and keep warm.

Prep vegetables

Wash and shred lettuce. Thinly slice tomato and red onion. Keep refrigerated until assembly.

Make a roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant (do not brown).

Add milk: Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Finish the cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low and remove from direct heat. Stir in 1 1/4 cups grated cheddar until melted and smooth. If using, add 2 tbsp cream cheese and stir until incorporated. Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp mustard, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm on lowest heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t skin over.

Prepare chips: Place 2 cups of Cool Original Doritos chips in a bowl and lightly crush with your hands or a rolling pin so there are a mixture of large pieces and smaller crumbs. Set aside for immediate use to preserve crunch.

Make sauce: In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp finely chopped pickled gherkins, 1 tsp white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth and taste-adjust. Chill briefly if time allows to let flavors meld.

Toast buns: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter the cut sides of 4 brioche buns with 1 tbsp butter total (about 1/2 tbsp per bun) and toast cut-side down in the skillet until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

Assemble burgers: Spread about 1 tbsp of original burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a handful (about 1/2 cup) shredded lettuce, place about 150 g warmed doner meat on top, then spoon 2–3 tbsp warm cheese sauce over the meat (enough to smother). Immediately sprinkle ~1/2 cup crushed Doritos over the hot cheese sauce so they adhere and retain some crunch. Add 2–3 tomato slices and a few rings of red onion if desired. Spread 1 tbsp burger sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve: Serve immediately while cheese is warm and chips are crunchy. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if using.