Shake Shack Burger Recipe

This Shake Shack Burger is a perfect copycat from the burger joint complete with Shake sauce – make them easily at home in 30 minutes!

This quick and easy method allows you to enjoy the taste of Shake Shack in the comfort of your own kitchen, any time you crave it.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Perfect copycat: They taste just like the Shake Shack version (perfect for those of us who don’t live near one).
• Shake sauce: You’re going to want to put it on everything, trust me.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Extra-lean ground beef – ground turkey would also work.
• Cheddar cheese slices – use American or Monterey Jack instead.
• Potato buns – use sandwich rolls or regular burger buns.
• Butter – or a butter alternative like margarine.
• Tomato – try another veggie like pickles.
• Lettuce – use iceberg or romaine lettuce.
• Crinkle-cut fries – use frozen fries or make your own.

Shake sauce

Or you can try my Big Mac sauce.

• Light mayo – you can use full-fat mayo, it’ll just increase the calorie count.
• Ketchup – you can use BBQ sauce but it’ll taste different.
• Dijon mustard – stone-ground mustard is the closest substitute here.
• Pickle brine – pickle juice will provide a similar flavour.
• Paprika – cayenne or chili powder would both work too.
• Garlic powder – use a bit of fresh minced garlic instead.

How to make a Shake Shack burger

Step 1: Make the sauce.

Mix the mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle brine, paprika and garlic powder together.

Step 2: Smash the beef balls.

Form the beef into balls, then smash into patties in a skillet.

Step 3: Cook the burgers.

Cook the burgers, then melt the the cheese slices on top of the patties.

Step 4: Add your toppings.

Serve the patties on toasted buns with sauce and your fave toppings.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I use cold beef for the patties?

Keeping the ground beef cold until cooking helps maintain its structure during the smashing process. You’ll end up with a better sear and juicier patty.

Can I use a different type of bun?

Yes, you can! While potato rolls are traditional, you can use brioche buns, sesame seed buns, or any bun you prefer. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the juicy burger.

Can I make these burgers on a grill?

Definitely. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions. Don’t forget to smash the patties before placing them on the grill!

What to serve on the side

Here are some ideas on what to serve with your burger:

• Your favourite frozen fries like waffle fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Air fryer tater tots

How to store and reheat

Make-ahead: You can make the Shake Shack sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also form patties and prep toppings in advance to streamline your cooking.

Store: The cooked burger patties are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat patties in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Reheat buns separately.

Freeze and reheat from frozen: Patties can be frozen separately after cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, and assemble your burger fresh.

Meal prep tools

• Save time and use this pre-made special sauce – it’s very similar to the real thing!
• I get all my grass-fed ground beef from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Freeze the beef patties in reusable freezer bags for up to 3 months.