In-N-Out Double-Double - Animal Style (Copycat)
The burger that has become a legend, the In-N-Out Double-Double - Animal Style, with a homemade fry sauce, caramelized onions, and mustard-grilled patty. The perfect GOOD fast food burger.
The burger that has become a legend, the In-N-Out Double-Double - Animal Style, with a homemade fry sauce, caramelized onions, and mustard-grilled patty. The perfect GOOD fast food burger.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 8 dill pickles chips
- 1/2 pound ground beef ((kenji recommends 60/40 i used 80/20 and it was perfect))
- 1 large onion ( finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups))
- 2 soft hamburger buns ( (kenji recommends arnold, i used local bakery buns))
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 2 leaves fresh iceberg lettuce (, white core section remov
- 4 slices deli-cut american cheese ((i bought this from my
- Carbohydrate 5.36457219086383 g
- Cholesterol 15.2515625065405 mg
- Fat 7.00825873173665 g
- Fiber 1.10342684886893 g
- Protein 1.53505286567107 g
- Saturated Fat 3.72558496952512 g
- Serving Size 1 1 burger (165g)
- Sodium 872.649849300853 mg
- Sugar 4.2611453419949 g
- Trans Fat 0.4686553464973 g
- Calories 85 calories
Step-by-step
- Form meat into four 2-ounce patties, thin and slightly larger than the size of your bun. They are meant to be 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add onions and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally until onions are well browned, about 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Once onions begin to sizzle heavily and appear dry, add 1 tablespoon water to skillet and stir.
- Continue cooking until water evaporates and onions start sizzling again.
- Repeat process, adding 1 tablespoon of water with each iteration until onions are meltingly soft and dark brown, about 3 times total.
- Transfer to a small bowl and set aside while leaving any residual butter in the pan.
- To make the burger and animal fry topping: Add mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Place closed buns in preheated oven for 2 minutes until slightly darker and just the slightest bit crispy.
- Using the butter left behind by the onions, press the buns into the pan and toast for a few seconds until crispy. If there is no butter left in the pan, add a 1/2 tablespoon or so to the pan.
- Season the patties with salt and pepper.
- Preheat pan on high and add the patties to the pan.
- Cook without moving until well browned and crusty on the first side, about 2 1/2 minutes.
- While they are cooking, spread about a tablespoon of mustard onto the raw side.
- Flip and cook the mustard side as well, another minute.
- Add the sauce to each half of the bun.
- From the bottom up: Add four pickles, then one slice of tomato and lettuce.
- Top each meat patty with a slice of cheese and half the caramelized onions.
- Stack two patties together and add on top of the lettuce.
- Top with the top bun.
My In-N-Out Double-Double Adventure: A Copycat Recipe
As a busy professional woman, juggling work, family, and a social life can be overwhelming. Finding time for elaborate cooking is often a luxury I can’t afford. However, I still crave delicious, satisfying meals. That’s why I was thrilled to discover a copycat recipe for the legendary In-N-Out Double-Double – Animal Style. This recipe, adapted from Kenji López-Alt at Serious Eats, promised the same juicy, flavorful burger experience without the drive-through wait. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Even on a hectic weekday, I can whip up this burger in under 30 minutes. The caramelized onions are the star of the show – sweet, savory, and deeply flavorful. They add a depth of taste that elevates the entire burger to a whole new level. The homemade "animal style" sauce is another key ingredient – a creamy, tangy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a touch of vinegar. It's the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the patties and the sweetness of the onions.
I have tweaked some things, of course. Kenji's original recipe called for a 60/40 blend of ground beef. I opted for 80/20 – a personal preference, based on what I had in my fridge, and honestly, the result was phenomenal. The higher fat content resulted in juicier patties, a personal preference, with a beautifully crispy crust. And the buns? I always support my local bakery whenever I can and this time was no exception.
Beyond the Burger: This isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to making delicious food work within a busy lifestyle. It’s about finding shortcuts without sacrificing quality. The pre-toasting of the buns in the oven adds a nice touch of crispness, preventing sogginess, while the simple act of adding a touch of mustard to the patties before flipping adds an extra layer of flavor. It’s a level of detailed care that truly makes a difference.
More than just a meal: This copycat In-N-Out burger has become a staple in my weeknight routine. It satisfies my cravings for a delicious burger without making me feel guilty about spending extra time in the kitchen. Plus, I always feel a slight sense of accomplishment each time I make it – it's a reminder that I can create something extraordinary even amidst my hectic schedule. It’s a simple burger, yes, but it’s more than that. It’s a delicious treat. It’s a shortcut to happiness. It's a reminder of balance, even when everything else feels overwhelming.
A Taste of Home: I love that it evokes the feeling of eating at an In-N-Out, a place that signifies happiness, road trips, and freedom. This recipe recreates a part of that feeling at home. And that is priceless. Each bite brings back the memory of delicious road trips with my family and friends, making every bite more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of joyful moments, shared experiences, and lasting memories.
This recipe is a go-to for me and a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious, easy meal, give this copycat In-N-Out Double-Double a try. I assure you, it's a burger experience worth savoring.
Ingredients Notes: Using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference! Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, and make sure your lettuce is crisp and cold. The quality of your ingredients will directly reflect the quality of your final product.
Serving Suggestions: This burger is perfect on its own, but feel free to add your personal touches! Some friends add crispy bacon, while others opt for some caramelized onions. Experiment and find your ideal burger combination.
Make it your own! This recipe is a fantastic starting point. You can experiment with different types of buns, cheeses, or even add other toppings to customize it to your preferences. It's all about having fun in the kitchen, even when it's a short and sweet endeavor.
