If you’re among the countless fans who crave the iconic taste of a FIVE GUYS burger, prepare for a culinary revelation. This detailed copycat recipe is your ultimate guide to recreating that irresistible, juicy, and flavor-packed experience right in your own kitchen. Forget the long lines and embrace the satisfaction of crafting a gourmet smash burger masterpiece. We’ll leverage the innovative Ninja Woodfire Grill, an outdoor electric grill that perfectly delivers the signature char and smoky depth essential for an authentic Five Guys experience, all without needing an open flame or heavy charcoal.
The secret to replicating the Five Guys magic lies in several key elements: perfectly seared patties that boast a delicious, crispy crust and a remarkably juicy interior, deeply caramelized onions and mushrooms that add a rich, savory depth, and a subtle smokiness infused into every component. This signature flavor comes from seasoning the griddle with bacon fat, a technique that elevates the entire burger. Finally, wrapping your creation in foil is not just for show; it captures the essence of a true restaurant-quality burger, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to steam to gooey perfection, all nestled in a soft, toasted sesame seed brioche bun.
This recipe transforms the art of burger-making into a straightforward and deeply satisfying process, allowing you to craft each element to perfection. The Ninja Woodfire Grill ensures your patties achieve that iconic smash burger sear and subtle smoky flavor, while the caramelized onions and mushrooms contribute layers of umami that elevate the burger to gourmet status. As you meticulously assemble your creation, the anticipation builds, culminating in a first bite that will reward you with a symphony of textures and tastes, rivaling even your favorite burger joint. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a memorable dining experience designed to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone at your table.
Why Make a Five Guys Copycat Burger at Home?
Five Guys has earned its reputation for a reason: consistently delicious, customizable burgers made with fresh ingredients. But imagine enjoying that exact same quality, or even surpassing it, from the comfort of your backyard or kitchen. Crafting a copycat Five Guys burger at home allows you complete control over ingredient quality, portion sizes, and flavor customization. It’s an opportunity to experiment, refine your grilling skills, and impress friends and family with a burger that rivals the original. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to satisfy those Five Guys cravings without leaving the house or breaking the bank.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill: Your Secret Weapon for Smash Burger Perfection
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is more than just an electric grill; it’s a game-changer for homemade burgers, especially when aiming for that Five Guys likeness. Its ability to reach high temperatures is crucial for achieving the perfect smash burger crust, creating the Maillard reaction that locks in juices and enhances flavor. What sets the Woodfire Grill apart, however, is its integrated smoker box. By adding a small amount of wood pellets, you infuse your burgers, onions, and mushrooms with a subtle, authentic smoky flavor that traditional indoor griddles simply cannot replicate. This “woodfire” element is key to adding another layer of complexity and authenticity to your copycat creation, making it truly exceptional. The flat top accessory is absolutely essential for smashing burgers and caramelizing toppings effectively.
Top Tip for an Authentic Five Guys Copycat Recipe
To be truly AUTHENTIC to the Five Guys experience, seek out beef from Schweid and Sons. They are renowned for their quality ground beef, often supplying restaurants, and their Chuck and Sirloin Special Mix is precisely what gives Five Guys burgers their distinct flavor and texture. If Schweid and Sons isn’t available, opt for fresh ground beef that is 80/20 chuck and sirloin blend, or 80/20 chuck for a rich flavor profile. Freshly ground beef makes a significant difference.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Five Guys Copycat Burger
Understanding the components is key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a vital role in creating the overall symphony of flavor and texture that defines a Five Guys burger.
The Beef Patties: The Heart of the Burger
Five Guys is famous for its thin, crispy-edged patties. We achieve this with the “smash burger” technique. Starting with 3.3 oz balls of fresh ground beef (preferably a chuck and sirloin blend for optimal flavor and fat content), you’ll smash them flat onto a scorching hot griddle. This ensures maximum contact with the cooking surface, creating that desirable crust while keeping the interior juicy. Seasoning simply with salt and pepper is all that’s needed to let the quality of the beef shine through.
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms: Sweet and Savory Depth
These aren’t just toppings; they’re flavor powerhouses. Slowly cooking sliced white onions and white mushrooms on the griddle, especially with a hint of bacon fat, transforms them into sweet, savory, and tender morsels. The caramelization process brings out their natural sugars and deepens their umami, providing a crucial counterpoint to the richness of the beef and cheese.
American Cheese: The Melty Embrace
Kraft American cheese is the preferred choice for a reason. Its superior meltability creates a perfectly gooey, uniform layer over the hot patty, adding a creamy, slightly tangy note that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. Don’t underestimate the power of a good melt!
The Brioche Bun: Soft and Toasted
A soft, slightly sweet sesame seed brioche bun is the ideal vehicle for this burger. Toasting the bun on the same griddle where the burgers cooked imparts extra flavor and prevents it from becoming soggy, providing a delightful textural contrast to the crispy patty and tender toppings.
Classic Toppings: Freshness and Zest
Five Guys offers a plethora of toppings, but for a true copycat, focus on the essentials: crisp iceberg lettuce, fresh sliced tomato, tangy pickle slices, and the classic trio of ketchup, yellow mustard, and optionally, mayonnaise. The freshness of these ingredients balances the richness of the cooked elements.
The Foil Wrap: The Finishing Touch
Wrapping the assembled burger tightly in aluminum foil isn’t just about presentation; it’s a critical step in the Five Guys experience. The foil traps steam, allowing the cheese to become extra gooey, the bun to soften slightly, and all the flavors to meld together perfectly as if it just came off the grill at the restaurant.
Recipe
FIVE GUYS Copycat Burger Recipe on the Ninja Woodfire
Create the ultimate FIVE GUYS copycat burger at home using the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This recipe guides you through crafting perfectly seared patties, caramelized onions, mushrooms, crispy bacon, and all the classic toppings on a toasted sesame seed brioche bun. Wrap it all in foil for an authentic touch and enjoy a restaurant-quality burger right from your kitchen.
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Course: Main Course | Cuisine: American | Keyword: burger, copycat, smashburger
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people | Calories: 1295kcal | Author: Dad
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire Grill with Flat Top Accessory
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Burger Press
- Parchment Paper
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 4 Sesame Seed Brioche Buns
- 26.4 OZ Ground Beef (Chuck and Sirloin Special Mix preferred)
- 1 White Onion, Sliced
- 12 Oz White Mushrooms, Sliced
- 8 Slices American Cheese (Kraft Preferred)
- 4 tablespoons Smoked Bacon Fat (or regular bacon fat/neutral high-heat oil)
- 12 Pickle Slices
- 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
- 1 Tomato, Sliced
- 4 tablespoons Ketchup
- 4 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Pepper
- 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (or any neutral high-heat oil)
Instructions
- Separate your ground beef into 3.3 oz balls (approximately 8 balls for 4 double burgers).
- Load your Ninja Woodfire Grill with your favorite wood pellets and attach the flat top griddle accessory.
- Set the grill to medium or high heat with the woodfire setting on. Add your sliced onion, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to the griddle. Cook the onions with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally until deeply caramelized and softened.
- Add the mushrooms to the griddle along with more oil or bacon fat if needed. Continue to cook until they are nicely browned and softened, about 10 more minutes. Once done, remove both onions and mushrooms and set them aside.
- Now that the griddle is well seasoned and hot, increase the heat setting to high on your Ninja Woodfire Grill.
- Once the grill is fully preheated, carefully place your beef balls onto the griddle. Immediately use a burger press (with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking) to smash each beef ball down into a thin patty. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until a beautiful brown crust forms on the bottom, typically 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the patties. Immediately top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 1 minute. The patties are done when the juices run clear and white.
- While the cheese is melting, lightly toast your sesame seed brioche buns on an open section of the griddle for about 1 minute until golden.
- Assemble your burger according to the “Burger Assembly” notes below.
Video
Notes
BURGER ASSEMBLY (for a classic Five Guys experience):
Start with the Bottom Bun.
Place one or two patties (each with melted cheese) on the bottom bun.
Generously add caramelized onions & mushrooms.
Layer with crisp Iceberg lettuce.
Add sliced tomato.
Spread ketchup, yellow mustard (and mayo, if desired) on the top bun.
Place 3 pickle slices on the top bun.
Carefully place the top bun onto the assembled burger.
Wrap the entire burger tightly in aluminum foil to steam and meld the flavors.
Nutrition
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Tips for Success: Making Your Five Guys at Home
- Quality Beef Matters: As mentioned, using a high-quality blend like chuck and sirloin is paramount. The fat content is crucial for a juicy burger and a crispy crust.
- Hot Griddle is Key: Ensure your Ninja Woodfire Grill’s griddle attachment is screaming hot before smashing your patties. This is non-negotiable for the perfect sear.
- Smash it Thin and Quick: Don’t be shy with the burger press. The goal is a thin patty with irregular, crispy edges. Work quickly once the beef hits the hot surface.
- Patience with Caramelization: Resist the urge to rush the onions and mushrooms. Slow and steady cooking is what develops their deep, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent griddle temperature and ensure proper searing.
- The Foil Wrap is Essential: Don’t skip this step! It’s the secret to melting the cheese perfectly and allowing the flavors to marry, creating that signature Five Guys steam-cooked finish.
- Fresh Toppings: While the cooked elements are stars, fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles provide crucial balance and texture.
Serving Suggestions: The Full Five Guys Experience
To truly complete your at-home Five Guys feast, consider pairing your magnificent burgers with some classic sides. A generous portion of homemade, hand-cut fries (cooked in peanut oil for extra authenticity, just like Five Guys!) is a must. For dessert or an extra treat, whip up a creamy milkshake. Don’t forget a bowl of roasted peanuts to snack on while you cook, capturing the complete ambiance of the restaurant.
Ingredient and Equipment Links for Your Five Guys Copycat Recipe:
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Conclusion: Your Homemade Burger Journey Begins
There’s immense satisfaction in replicating a beloved restaurant dish at home, and the Five Guys copycat burger is a prime example. By following this recipe, utilizing the unique capabilities of the Ninja Woodfire Grill, and paying attention to the crucial details of beef quality, caramelization, and assembly, you’re not just making a burger—you’re crafting an experience. Get ready to indulge in a burger that’s rich, savory, slightly smoky, and unbelievably juicy, proving that the best burgers are often the ones made with care and passion in your own backyard. Enjoy your Five Guys, your way!