Name: Island Wing Company Grill & Bar - Tamayas Build Your Own Burger Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.25 lb ground beef (80/20), formed into patties; 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp vegetable oil (for griddle or skillet); 1 each burger buns (split); 1 tsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns); 1 leaf iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves; 2 slice tomato, sliced 1/4" thick; 3 slice dill pickle chips; 3 ring red onion, raw, thinly sliced; 1 slice American cheese slice; 1 slice Swiss cheese slice; 1 slice cheddar cheese slice; 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños; 0.5 ring grilled pineapple ring (fresh or canned, drained); 0.25 cup grilled onions (caramelized); 2 strip bacon strips, cooked (halved if long); 0.5 each avocado, sliced; 1 tbsp crumbled bleu cheese; 1 tbsp habanero bacon jam

Method

Burger Base (for each burger)

Form and season patties

Divide 1 lb ground beef into four 4-oz (0.25 lb) portions. Gently form each into a patty about 3/4"–1" thick, making a slight indentation in the center with your thumb to prevent doming. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper per patty just before cooking.

Preheat and oil pan

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 3–5 minutes). Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat.

Cook patties

Place patties on the hot surface. For medium doneness, cook 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip and cook 3–4 minutes on the second side. If adding cheese, place the slice on the patty during the last 1 minute of cooking and cover the pan briefly to melt.

Toast buns

While patties rest 2–3 minutes, spread 1 tsp softened butter on the cut sides of the bun and toast, buttered side down, in the same skillet until golden, about 30–60 seconds.

Standard Toppings (included)

Prep lettuce, tomato, pickles and raw onion: rinse and dry lettuce leaf and keep chilled until assembly. Slice tomato 1/4" thick. Slice red onion into thin rings; separate rings. Keep pickles on hand. Place these items on the bottom or top bun as preferred.

Assemble base layer: Place the toasted bottom bun on a plate, add the lettuce leaf (to protect bun from juices), then set the cooked patty (cheese side up if used) on top.

Optional Add-ons (price items)

Cheeses (American, Swiss, Cheddar)

If adding cheese, add 1 slice to the patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt (see Cooking patties). For double-cheese, add a second slice immediately after removing the patty from the pan so it melts slightly from residual heat.

Grilled onions

For grilled onions, slice 1 small onion thinly. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tsp oil and cook onions, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, 8–12 minutes. Use 1/4 cup per burger as desired.

Grilled pineapple

Pat pineapple ring dry. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high and sear the pineapple 1–2 minutes per side until caramelized. Use 1/2 ring per burger.

Bacon

Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 6–8 minutes) or bake at 400°F/200°C for 12–18 minutes. Drain on paper towels and use 2 strips per burger.

Avocado

Slice 1/2 avocado and fan or layer slices on the burger. Add immediately before serving to prevent browning; squeeze a little lemon if desired.

Pickled jalapeños

Drain jarred pickled jalapeños and add 1 tbsp (or more to taste) atop the cheese or patty for heat.

Bleu cheese

Crumble 1 tbsp bleu cheese and sprinkle over the hot patty so it softens; combine with other add-ons as desired.

Habanero Bacon Jam

Spoon 1 tbsp habanero bacon jam on the top bun or directly onto the patty for a sweet-spicy finish. Use caution and adjust amount to heat preference.

Assembly & Serve

Final assembly: After placing the patty on the lettuce-lined bottom bun, add your chosen standard toppings and any selected add-ons in this order for best balance: grilled onions or pineapple (if used), bacon, avocado, pickled jalapeños, bleu cheese or additional condiments, then pickles and raw onion rings, then tomato. Cap with the toasted top bun (spread jam on top bun if using).

Serve immediately with fries or side of choice. Provide extra condiments and napkins.