As a food enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by juicy, flavorful burgers. You know the ones that make you laugh and smile, the kind you crave after a long day. One burger that always gets my taste buds singing is the Shake Shack Smoke Shack. I’ve dreamed of replicating that smoky, cheesy goodness at home. But first, let’s talk about the best side that pairs with this delightful dish.
How about a classic summer coleslaw? Picture crisp cabbage, tangy dressing, and a hint of sweetness. It cuts through the burger’s richness, making the perfect duo for any gathering. Now, grab your apron and settle in. I’m excited to share my spin on this iconic burger.
What is Shake Shack Smoke Shack?
The Shake Shack Smoke Shack burger is not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in a soft bun. It features premium Angus beef, layers of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and roasted cherry peppers, all brought together with a hint of barbecue sauce. This burger stands out with its balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
The Ingredients
To recreate the Shake Shack Smoke Shack at home, you need a few key ingredients. But don’t worry; you won’t have to break the bank at specialty stores.
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup classic mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle brine
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder (or cayenne pepper)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (for added freshness)
For the Smoke Shack Burgers:
- 2 lbs premium Angus beef (chuck or blade roast) (double this if preparing double patties)
- 6 kaiser rolls (or fluffy potato buns)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound applewood smoked bacon (crisply cooked)
- 1/4 cup sweet bread-and-butter pickles
- 1/2 cup diced cherry peppers
- 6 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (12 if making double patties)
- 1 tbsp barbecue sauce
How to Make Shake Shack Smoke Shack?
It’s simpler than you might think! Let me walk you through the steps, and soon you’ll be the host of burger night at your place.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the ingredients for that luscious sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle brine, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and parsley. Blend these well until smooth. That brightness will uplift our burger beyond the ordinary!
Step 2: Make the Burger Patties
Now it’s time for the star of the show — the beef. Shape the ground Angus beef into patties. I like them to be about ¾ inch thick. You want them substantial enough to char well on the grill but not so thick they won’t cook through. For thick burgers, make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents them from puffing up while they cook.
Step 3: Grilling the Patties
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the patties just before you throw them on. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them, and then add the cheese slices on top. Let that gorgeous cheese start to melt, which pairs impeccably with the juicy beef.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
In the meantime, fry your applewood smoked bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Don’t skip this! The smoky, savory crunch is essential to the burger’s character.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Next, melt some butter in a skillet. Toast your kaiser rolls until they are golden brown on both sides. Toasting ensures that the bun doesn’t become soggy from the burger juices.
Step 6: Assemble the Burger
Now comes the fun part. Start with the bottom bun, slather on a generous amount of your prepared sauce, then add the burger patty. Layer on the bacon, pickles, and cherry peppers. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Give yourself a high five because you have just made a Smoke Shack burger!
Tips for Success
To ensure your burger night goes off without a hitch, here are some solid tips:
- Use high-quality beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Allow the patties to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling; this helps them cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – aim for 160°F for a deliciously medium burger.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties; gouda or pepperjack can add unique flavors.
- Let your burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and tasty.
Storage Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Wrap the burgers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. Use within 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: I recommend reheating in the oven or on the stovetop for a few minutes, rather than the microwave, to maintain that juicy texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to elevate your Smoke Shack experience:
- Serve with Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
- Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the burger.
- Add Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like charred corn paired with your burger.
- Offer a Side of Coleslaw: This adds crunch and a refreshing contrast.
- Craft a Milkshake: Treat yourself to a shake for a true diner experience.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Shake Shack Smoke Shack Recipe?
Not everyone has the same pantry, so here are some handy substitutes you can use:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking to cut down on red meat, ground turkey or chicken patties work splendidly.
- Vegan Ground Meat: For a plant-based twist, there are fantastic vegan substitutes available that mimic beef.
- Cream Cheese instead of Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan of traditional mayonnaise, cream cheese creates a thicker, tangier sauce.
- Other Buns: If you’re gluten-free, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns for a lighter option.
- Stuffed Peppers Instead of Cherry Peppers: Swap in pickled jalapeños or spicy banana peppers for an extra kick.
Shake Shack Smoke Shack Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup classic mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle brine
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley for added freshness
- 2 lbs premium Angus beef chuck or blade roast (double this if preparing double patties)
- 6 kaiser rolls or fluffy potato buns
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 pound applewood smoked bacon crisply cooked
- 1/4 cup sweet bread-and-butter pickles
- 1/2 cup diced cherry peppers
- 6 slices of sharp cheddar cheese 12 if making double patties
- 1 tbsp barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Start by mixing the ingredients for that luscious sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle brine, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and parsley. Blend these well until smooth. That brightness will uplift our burger beyond the ordinary!
- Now it’s time for the star of the show — the beef. Shape the ground Angus beef into patties. I like them to be about ¾ inch thick. You want them substantial enough to char well on the grill but not so thick they won’t cook through. For thick burgers, make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents them from puffing up while they cook.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the patties just before you throw them on. Grill them for 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them, and then add the cheese slices on top. Let that gorgeous cheese start to melt, which pairs impeccably with the juicy beef.
- In the meantime, fry your applewood smoked bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Don’t skip this! The smoky, savory crunch is essential to the burger’s character.
- Next, melt some butter in a skillet. Toast your kaiser rolls until they are golden brown on both sides. Toasting ensures that the bun doesn’t become soggy from the burger juices.
- Now comes the fun part. Start with the bottom bun, slather on a generous amount of your prepared sauce, then add the burger patty. Layer on the bacon, pickles, and cherry peppers. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Give yourself a high five because you have just made a Smoke Shack burger!
Notes
- Use high-quality beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
- Allow the patties to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling; this helps them cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – aim for 160°F for a deliciously medium burger.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties; gouda or pepperjack can add unique flavors.
- Let your burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and tasty.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Creating a Shake Shack Smoke Shack burger at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It combines simple ingredients to make something truly special. Whether it’s for game day, a summer BBQ, or just a treat for yourself, this burger is bound to be a hit. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and make some memories with this delicious dish. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll realize it’s worth the effort. Happy cooking!
