Name: Zebrano Brentwoods Cheeseburger & Chips Recipe
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp vegetable oil; 4 slices American cheese slices; 2 pcs burger buns; 1 tbs butter (softened, for toasting); 2 leaves iceberg lettuce leaves; 0.5 pcs tomato; 0.25 pcs red onion; 4 slices dill pickle slices; 2 tbs ketchup; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 2 pcs russet potatoes; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tsp kosher salt (for fries); 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper (for fries); 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)

Method

Burger Patties

Season and shape

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until combined — do not overwork. Divide into 2 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent bulging while cooking.

Preheat pan or grill

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (or preheat grill to medium-high). Add 1 tsp vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat.

Cook patties

Place patties in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a browned crust forms. Flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). In the last 60 seconds of cooking, place 2 slices of American cheese on each patty, cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.

Rest

Transfer patties to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes while you toast buns and finish fries. Resting helps juices redistribute.

Cheese & Toppings

Prep vegetables

While patties cook, slice tomato into 1/4-inch rounds, thinly slice the red onion, and separate and rinse lettuce leaves. Pat vegetables dry with paper towel.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the burger buns (about 1 tbs of softened butter divided). Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place buns cut-side down and toast 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Assemble burgers

Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun. Place lettuce leaf, then the cheeseburger patty (cheese-side up), add tomato slices, onion, and pickle slices. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Chips (Fries)

Prepare potatoes

Peel (optional) and cut russet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch sticks for fries. Rinse cut potatoes under cold water until water runs clear to remove surface starch. Drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Heat oil

In a deep heavy pot or Dutch oven, add 4 cups vegetable oil and heat to 325°F (160°C) for the first fry. If you don't have a thermometer, heat until oil shimmers and a small piece of potato produces slow bubbling.

First fry (blanch)

Working in batches, fry the potatoes 3-4 minutes until soft but not browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer blanched fries to a tray lined with paper towels to drain and cool for 5 minutes.

Second fry (crisp)

Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cooled potatoes in batches 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray and immediately season with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).

Serve

Serve fries hot alongside assembled cheeseburgers with extra ketchup for dipping.