19th Street Burger Recipe

Cook bacon

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until fat renders and bacon is browned but slightly under-crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate, reserving 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Sauté onion

Add the finely diced yellow onion to the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium-low heat until soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Combine and simmer

Chop or roughly crumble the cooked bacon and return to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee (or water), soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Form patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 5 oz / 140 g each). Gently form each portion into a 3/4-inch thick patty, making a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent doming during cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Prepare buns & aromatics

Thinly slice the tomato and red onion. Mince the fresh garlic and, if desired, rub a little minced garlic on the cut side of each toasted bun for a subtle garlic note. Halve and wash lettuce leaves. Spread softened butter on cut sides of brioche buns.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When shimmering, add patties (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium (internal temperature ~160°F/71°C for safety with ground beef), flipping once. If you prefer a melt, add cheese on top during the last minute of cooking. Remove patties and rest 3–4 minutes.

Toast buns

While patties rest, reduce heat to medium-low, add buttered buns cut-side down to the skillet and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Optionally rub toasted buns with the minced garlic for extra flavor.

Fry eggs (optional)

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with 1 teaspoon oil or butter. Crack eggs and cook to desired doneness: sunny-side up for runny yolk (cover for 2–3 minutes) or over-easy/medium. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Slice avocado (optional)

Halve, pit, and slice the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning. Lightly season slices with salt.

Spread a generous tablespoon of bacon jam on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun.

Place a lettuce leaf on top of the jam, followed by the burger patty.

Top the patty with 1–2 slices of tomato and several rings of red onion.

If using, add sliced avocado and/or a fried egg on top of the tomato/onion.

Spread an additional small spoonful of bacon jam on the inside of the top bun (optional), place the bun top on the burger, and serve immediately with fries or salad on the side.

If serving salad, toss mixed greens with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and divide among plates. If serving fries, cook according to package or recipe directions and season with salt immediately after cooking.