Name: Island Wing Company Grill & Bar - Tamayas The All American Recipe
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1 tbs vegetable oil (for cooking); 8 slices streaky bacon; 1 large yellow onion; 1 tbs unsalted butter; 1 tsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp light brown sugar; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 4 slices American cheese slices; 4 pcs burger buns (sesame or brioche); 2 tbs butter (softened, for toasting buns); 4 leaves butter lettuce or iceberg leaves; 1 large tomato; 12 slices dill pickle slices; 0.25 cups mayonnaise; 1 tbs Dijon mustard; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 2 tbs honey; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp black pepper

Method

Burger Patties

Form Patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently form into patties roughly 3.5–4 inches in diameter and about 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook Patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread. Place patties in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 1 minute of cooking, top each patty with an American cheese slice and cover the pan briefly (or use a lid) to melt the cheese. Transfer patties to a warm plate and tent with foil.

Bacon & Onions

Cook Bacon

While patties rest or in a separate skillet, place 8 slices of bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly crisp (about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness). Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor, reserving if desired for toasting buns or cooking onions.

Grill Onions

Slice 1 large yellow onion into 1/4-inch rings or half-moons. In a separate sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 12–15 minutes. If onions start to stick, deglaze with a splash of water. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Toppings & Buns

Prepare Vegetables

Slice the tomato into 4 even 1/4-inch thick rounds. Wash and dry 4 leaves of butter lettuce. Arrange 12 pickle slices on a small plate for assembly.

Toast Buns

Spread softened butter on cut sides of 4 burger buns. Toast buttered sides on a hot skillet or griddle (use reserved bacon fat for extra flavor if desired) over medium heat until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Keep buns warm.

Honey Mustard

Make Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust honey or vinegar for sweetness/tang. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembly

Assemble the All American burgers while everything is warm. Spread about 1 tablespoon of honey mustard on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then a cheese-topped burger patty. Add two slices of cooked bacon on each patty, a generous spoonful of grilled onions, a tomato slice, and 3 pickle slices. Spread another 1 teaspoon honey mustard on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Notes: For juicier patties, avoid pressing down while cooking. If making 2 larger patties instead of 4 smaller, adjust cook times accordingly. Leftover honey mustard keeps refrigerated up to 5 days.