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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:

https://youtu.be/7jPZ8E4v0MA?si=KAZwURBODC7BYRY2

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
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 35 mins
Cooking Temp 400  F
Servings 4
Calories 650
Dietary Keto
Description

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.

Ingredients
    For the Patties:
  • 800 g (1.75 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Special Sauce:
  • 180 ml (¾ cup)
  • 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:
  • 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves (as bun replacement)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 8 slices sugar-free American cheese
  • 16 dill pickle slices
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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:

      • Layer: lettuce leaf, burger patty with cheese
      • Add special sauce, pickles, diced onions
      • Top with another patty and lettuce leaf

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 650kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 52g80%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 890mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 45g90%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips and Variations:

Use cheese alternatives for dairy-free version

For extra crispiness, ensure skillet is extremely hot

Can substitute ground turkey for beef (adjust cooking time)

Make sauce ahead for better flavor development

Suggested Pairings:

  • Keto coleslaw
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Cauliflower "fries"
  • Sugar-free pickle spears

Plating Suggestions:

  • Serve open-faced on a bed of shredded lettuce
  • Wrap in large lettuce leaves for easier handling
  • Present sauce on the side for customization
  • Garnish with additional pickles and fresh herbs