Smokehouse Burger Recipe

Prepare oil

Pour vegetable oil into a medium heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to a depth of about 1-1.5 inches (approximately 2 cups). Heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of batter: it should sizzle and float.

Make batter

In a medium bowl whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup cold sparkling water until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. Keep batter cold and do not overmix.

Coat and fry

Pat dill pickle slices dry with paper towels. Working in small batches, dip 3-4 pickle slices into the batter to coat, letting excess drip off, then carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp, about 1.5–2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if needed while you finish the rest.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 bacon slices until crisp, 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and reserve some bacon fat in the pan for searing patties if desired. Once slightly cooled, halve slices lengthwise if needed to fit the rolls.

Form patties

Divide 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each) for two thinner patties or leave as single 1/2–3/4" thick patties. Gently form into round patties slightly larger than the roll diameter, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If you reserved bacon fat, add a thin film to the pan; otherwise lightly oil. Place patties in the hot pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium (adjust time to desired doneness). During the last 45–60 seconds of cooking, brush each patty with about 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce and place a cheddar slice on top. Cover with a lid briefly or tent with foil to melt the cheese.

Toast rolls

While patties rest 2–3 minutes, split King's Hawaiian rolls and butter the cut sides with 1 tablespoon softened butter (divided). Place rolls, buttered side down, on the same skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast until golden, about 45–60 seconds.

Assemble burger

On the bottom roll place lettuce leaf, 2 tomato slices, and 2 red onion slices. Add the cheeseburger patty with melted cheddar, then top with 2 crisp bacon strips. Arrange 4–6 fried pickles on top of the bacon. Drizzle an additional 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce over the pickles if desired. Finish with the top roll. Serve immediately with extra pickles and BBQ sauce on the side.