If you’re a burger fan, like me, you’ll know that there’s a war brewing. The contenders: Shake Shack and In-N-Out.In other words, it’s East Coast vs. West Coast, Biggie vs. Tupac, Future vs. Kendrick Lamar. Where do you stand? I’m a huge fan of Shake Shack – their squishy buttery buns and smashand scrape patties are so delicious. So much so that I try to recreate them on the regular at home. But, the thing is, I feel like Shack Burgers are a treat, almost too buttery, kind of like the foie gras of burgers. In-N-Out, on the other hand, is the epitome of freshness.
With In-N-Out you get the crunch of iceberg lettuce, slices of onion, and a thick slice of tomato. Yes, Shake Shack has lettuce too, but it’s butter/Boston lettuce and the onions are missing. Is one better than the other? I could never choose! Instead, I’ll just enjoy both. Maybe even at the same time?
I will say this: I remember the first time I had In-N-Out I wasn’t blown away. I think I heard so much hype that I built them up in my head to be the best thing ever. Also, the fact that I’m not into In-N-Out fries may have influenced my opinion of the burger. Anyway, now I’m all about that California freshness. I especially love their protein style burgers, which are essential everything inside the bun, wrapped in big pieces of lettuce. It’s kind of like a handheld burger salad, and what could be better than that?
It’s pretty easy to recreate In-N-Out’s classic double double at home. You need: a noticeably toasted bun, two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, a thin-ish slice of a big onion, and a thick slice of a beefsteak tomato. A key feature of In-N-Out burgers are the onions. You can have them grilled, if that’s your jam, or you can go raw if you’re into fresh and spicy. Here I stuck to raw. I wanted to find a giant onion so that there was just one slice, like how they do it at In-N-Out, but I only had small onions in the fridge and I didn’t think a trip to the store for one large onion was justifiable.
But, what is totally justifiable is a trip to the store to get the ingredients to make these burgers. It’s grilling season friends! Sure, these burgers aren’t technically grilled, but I won’t tell if you won’t. Don’t forget to invite me, if your Memorial Day weekend barbecue includes these because, I’m there!
xoxo burgers and sunshine,
steph
Copycat In-N-Out Double Double Burger Recipe
makes 4 burgersIn-N-Out Spread:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- dash Worcestershire sauce
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Burgers:
- 4 hamburger burgers, butter for buns, if desired
- 1 lb ground beef chuck, preferably not lean
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- oil for the pan
- 4 thick slices beefsteak tomatoes
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce, torn into bun size pieces
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 thin slices large onion, kept intact
Make the spread: Mix all the ingredients together.
Lightly toast the buns, buttered if desired, in a dry pan over medium heat. If you have someone helping you in the kitchen, have them make the spread and toast the buns while you form the patties and cook them off.
Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and gently form into patties slightly larger than your buns. They will be quite thin. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If you like, you can do this ahead of time and keep them separated with parchment paper and wrapped up in the fridge.
Heat up a large cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to the pan. When it’s hot and shimmery, add 2 patties to the pan and cook, without moving for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until deeply caramelized. Flip and cook for another minute or so. Remove from the pan onto a plate or cutting board and top both patties with a slice of American cheese. Repeat with the remaining patties
Assemble the burgers: the bottom buns get sauce, to taste, then a slice of tomato, lettuce, a cheese-topped patty, onion slice, another cheese-topped patty, then the top bun. Enjoy immediately!
20 Comments
May 25, 2017 at 12:49 am
it might be california loyalty, or perhaps the fact that the first time i had in n out was after a freeze dried meal-heavy backpacking trip when i wanted something that wasn’t mush, but i like in n out. i wasn’t blown away when i had shake shack, and found it super salty, but i’ve also only had it once (whereas my in n out experiences are countless).
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Kristin says:
May 25, 2017 at 3:07 am
I grew up in California and when I was in high school, an In-n-Out opened about 45 minutes from the house. We drove and waited in a huge line. It was totally worth it. It felt like a foodie pilgrimage. Now I live in D.C. I’m a fan of the Shack. But it will never replace the magic of waiting for a burger and a co*ke in dusty California sunshine.
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Daniel Andrei says:
May 26, 2017 at 5:04 am
Just what I was looking for, inspiration to drool on my laptop! :)) just by reading this I can almost feel the taste of the ingredients. I don’t have much in my fridge right now, so I’ll order some burgers.
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Lynn says:
May 26, 2017 at 3:28 pm
I heard that In-N-Out puts mustard on the buns and then grills them for the animal style but I could be completely wrong. I prefer In-N-Out but sadly live on the Eastern Coast. I like Shake Shack’s fries better.
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Stephanie says:
May 26, 2017 at 8:29 pm
they do do the mustard thing for animal style! and totes agree, shake shack fries are WAY better :)
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Dea says:
May 27, 2017 at 5:52 am
Wow, hamburger is my favorite non italian dish!!!!! Amazing pics!
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Heidi says:
July 7, 2017 at 2:10 pm
I just sent this to my best friend who recently moved to Seattle, she said they’ve been looking for a substitute but nothing compared. Desperate times call for homemade measures.
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Jasper says:
November 25, 2017 at 7:40 am
Dick’s drive in should at least ease the pain!
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Reva says:
February 9, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Yes indeed! Best in three northwest! ?
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Applejackson says:
May 11, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Yeah, except Shake Shack sucks. 5 Guys is head and shoulders above both.
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Kenny says:
June 4, 2018 at 5:19 am
I live in Southern CA and had my fair share of IN-N-OUT visits for the past 30 years and counting! Yes they are the BEST burgers hands-down, fries too (fresh cut and fry in dedicated vegetable oil). But damn that’s a nice copy-cat!!!
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