Homemade McDonald’s Big Mac Burger
Creating the Ultimate Big Mac Sauce with Onion and Pickles: A Home Cooking Guide
As the Big Mac is my absolute favorite among fast-food burgers, I decided to recreate it at home! ^^ This recipe guides you through making a delicious Big Mac at home, complete with a homemade Big Mac sauce using onion and pickles, capturing that iconic flavor.
Burger Ingredients
- Burger buns, 3 sets (total 6 pieces)
- Burger patties, 4 pieces
- Cooking oil, 1 tablespoon
- Iceberg lettuce, 1/3 head, washed and separated
- Dill pickles, 2 pieces, thinly sliced
- Cheddar cheese slices, 2 slices
- Black pepper, a pinch
The Crucial Big Mac Sauce
- Onion, 1/2 small, finely minced
- Dill pickle, 1 piece, finely minced
- Mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 1 Tbsp
- Honey mustard, 1 Tbsp
- Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp
- Honey, 1/2 Tbsp (or substitute with 1 Tbsp corn syrup for a thicker sauce)
- Onion, 1/2 small, finely minced
- Dill pickle, 1 piece, finely minced
- Mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp
- Ketchup, 1 Tbsp
- Honey mustard, 1 Tbsp
- Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp
- Honey, 1/2 Tbsp (or substitute with 1 Tbsp corn syrup for a thicker sauce)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, lightly toast the cut sides of your burger buns over low heat until they are slightly golden and warm. Avoid toasting them too much to keep them soft and pliable.
Step 2
Instead of brushing the buns with oil, I prefer to lightly mist them with water using a spray bottle. This helps to keep them moist and tender as they toast, preventing them from drying out.
Step 3
Lightly mist the top sides of the buns with water as well, ensuring even moisture for a soft texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s cook the burger patties. Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the patties and cook until they are nicely browned on both sides and cooked through. Ensure the patties are cooked to your liking.
Step 5
While the patties are cooking, let’s make the Big Mac sauce! In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp honey mustard, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 Tbsp honey. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can substitute the honey with 1 Tbsp of corn syrup for a richer consistency.
Step 6
Finely mince the dill pickle and onion into tiny pieces, about half the size of a pinky fingernail. Mincing them very finely will help them integrate smoothly into the sauce.
Step 7
The secret to authentic Big Mac sauce is using dill pickles! They provide that distinct herbaceous flavor that is characteristic of the Big Mac. Regular pickles won’t quite achieve the same taste.
Step 8
Mix all the sauce ingredients together with the minced pickle and onion. Give it a taste – you’ll be amazed at how close it is to the real thing!
Step 9
Once the patties are nicely browned on both sides, season them with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. The pepper enhances the savory flavor of the beef.
Step 10
Generously spread the special Big Mac sauce you made onto the toasted bottom bun. Don’t be shy with the sauce – it’s key to a great burger!
Step 11
Next, layer a good amount of fresh iceberg lettuce leaves on top of the sauce. The crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
Step 12
Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of the lettuce, followed by a cooked burger patty.
Step 13
Now, add the middle bun piece (the bottom half of the top bun) on top of the patty. This forms the third layer of bread in a traditional Big Mac construction.
Step 14
Spread another generous layer of Big Mac sauce onto this middle bun. The sauce here helps to bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
Step 15
Add another hearty portion of fresh iceberg lettuce on top of the sauce.
Step 16
Wait! A quick adjustment for authenticity: traditionally, the pickles are placed on top of the lettuce, and then more lettuce goes on top. (Don’t worry if you layer it differently; it will still be delicious! Let’s correct this for the classic build.) Place the sliced dill pickles on top of the lettuce.
Step 17
Add the second burger patty on top of the pickles and lettuce, creating a double-decker delight.
Step 18
Finally, place the top bun to complete your magnificent homemade Big Mac burger! You know the tune… ‘ba da ba ba baa~’ ♬
Step 19
Cut the finished Big Mac in half to reveal its impressive layers. Doesn’t it look fantastic? This homemade version rivals the famous fast-food original. The combination of soft buns, savory patties, crisp lettuce, and the tangy Big Mac sauce is simply divine. The refreshing bite of onion adds another layer of flavor that makes it truly delicious. You must try making this!
Step 20
This homemade Big Mac, with its generous ingredients and flavorful sauce, offers a special dining experience right in your own kitchen. Grasp it with both hands and take a big bite to enjoy the explosion of flavors. You’ll feel a sense of culinary accomplishment. Give it a try today!
