Cajun Burger Recipe

Prepare the meat

Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the meat. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined; avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Form patties

Divide the seasoned beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the patties. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a browned crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium (cook longer if you prefer well done). If using cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.

Remove cooked patties to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes while you prepare toppings and assemble.

Prepare tomato and onion

Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings. Lay tomato and onion slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to season and draw out excess moisture; set aside.

Prepare avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice or mash the flesh depending on preference. If slicing, make 1/4-inch slices. Toss the avocado gently with the juice from 1/2 lemon, 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, and the remaining 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to prevent browning and add bright flavor.

Toast buns

Lightly toast the burger buns cut-side down in a dry skillet or under a broiler 1-2 minutes until golden. If desired, spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on each bottom bun.

Assemble burgers

Place a handful (about 1/2 cup) of mixed greens or a few butter lettuce leaves on each bottom bun. Add the cooked Cajun burger patty. Top with tomato slices, red onion rings, and avocado slices or spread. Finish with the top bun. If using hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning, drizzle or sprinkle to taste.

Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.

For extra heat, brush patties with a little hot sauce while cooking or sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning just after flipping. For a smoky char, finish patties briefly on a hot grill before resting.