KETO BIG MAC SMASH BURGERS

A low-carb version of the classic Big Mac, featuring juicy smashed patties and a special sauce that keeps it keto-friendly while maintaining that iconic flavor.

Core Elements

The star of this dish is high-fat ground beef (80/20), which creates a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior when smashed. The special sauce and toppings recreate the Big Mac experience without the traditional carbs.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 800g (1.75 lbs) ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Special Sauce:

• 180ml (¾ cup) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free pickle relish
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For Assembly (Choose Your Base):

Option 1: Lettuce Wrap

• 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves

Option 2: Low-Carb Tortilla

• 4 low-carb tortillas (Mission Carb Balance or similar)

Additional Toppings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 8 slices sugar-free American cheese
• 16 dill pickle slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

• Large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle
• Metal spatula
• Parchment paper
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Kitchen scale

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients
   • Mix well and refrigerate until needed
2. Form the Patties:
   • Divide beef into 8 equal portions (100g each)
   • Form loose balls, don’t overwork the meat
   • Place on parchment paper
3. Cook the Burgers:
   • Heat skillet over high heat (200°C/400°F)
   • Place beef ball on hot surface
   • Cover with parchment paper
   • Smash firmly with spatula until very thin (about 10-12cm/4-5 inches)
   • Season with salt and pepper
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy
   • Flip, add cheese, cook 1 minute more
4. Assembly:
   For Lettuce Wrap:
   • Layer: lettuce leaf, burger patty with cheese
   • Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
   • Top with another patty and lettuce leaf

For Low-Carb Tortilla:

• Warm tortilla slightly (10-15 seconds in microwave)
• Layer: tortilla, burger patty with cheese
• Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
• Top with another patty
• Optional: add shredded lettuce for crunch
• Fold or roll tortilla

Timing:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Tips and Variations:

• For extra crispiness, ensure skillet is extremely hot
• Can substitute ground turkey for beef (adjust cooking time)
• Make sauce ahead for better flavor development
• Use cheese alternatives for dairy-free version
• Toast low-carb tortillas for extra crunch
• Cut tortillas in half and stack like a traditional Big Mac

Nutrition Information (per serving – 2 patties):

With Lettuce Wrap:

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 52g
• Protein: 45g
• Total Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 890mg

With Low-Carb Tortilla (using Mission Carb Balance):

• Calories: 750
• Fat: 53g
• Protein: 47g
• Total Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 15g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 1050mg

Suggested Pairings:

• Keto coleslaw
• Grilled asparagus
• Cauliflower “fries”
• Sugar-free pickle spears
• Keto-friendly tortilla chips

Plating Suggestions:

• Serve open-faced on a bed of shredded lettuce
• Wrap in large lettuce leaves or tortilla for easier handling
• Present sauce on the side for customization
• Garnish with additional pickles and fresh herbs
• For tortilla version, wrap in parchment paper for easier eating