Sep 07 2026
RestaurantsMcWhorter BarbecueAmerican Combo Recipe

American Combo Recipe

Inspired by McWhorter Barbecue
Time1h
Serves2

Make American Combo Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger

Milkshake (Vanilla)

Method

Burger

  1. 1

    Form patties

    Divide the ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form into patties about 3/4-inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Do not overwork the meat. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming.

  2. 2

    Season

    Sprinkle each side of the patties with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and a light dusting of garlic powder per side (adjust to taste).

  3. 3

    Toast buns

    Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on the cut sides of the burger buns. Place buns cut-side down on the skillet and toast until golden, 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  4. 4

    Cook patties

    Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. When oil is shimmering, add patties. Cook about 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place one slice of cheddar on each patty, cover the skillet with a lid for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

  5. 5

    Assemble burgers

    Spread 1 tablespoon ketchup (split between the two buns) and 1/2 teaspoon mustard on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf, tomato slices (from 1/2 tomato), cooked patty with melted cheese, and two onion slices on each burger. Top with the toasted top bun and serve immediately.

Fries

  1. 6

    Prep potatoes

    Wash and peel the russet potatoes if desired. Cut into 1/4–1/2-inch sticks for classic fries. Place cut fries into a bowl of cold water and let soak at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch.

  2. 7

    Dry and toss

    Drain the potatoes and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels. In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until lightly coated — this helps achieve a crisp exterior.

  3. 8

    Heat oil

    In a deep pot or deep-fryer, heat 4 cups of vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C) for the first fry. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until a small piece of potato sizzles gently.

  4. 9

    First fry (blanch)

    Fry the potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until soft but not colored. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes.

  5. 10

    Second fry

    Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched potatoes in batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Remove to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

  6. 11

    Season and serve

    While hot, sprinkle fries with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Toss to distribute seasonings and serve alongside the burgers.

Milkshake (Vanilla)

  1. 12

    Blend shake

    In a blender, combine 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 3/4 cup whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend on medium until smooth and slightly thick. If too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons milk and blend again to reach desired consistency.

  2. 13

    Serve

    Pour the milkshake into two tall glasses. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and one maraschino cherry. Serve with a straw and enjoy immediately.

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