Shake Shack Burger {Perfect Copycat}

This Shake Shack Burger is a perfect copycat from the burger joint complete with Shake sauce – plus, they’re super easy to make at home!

Ingredients and substitutions

• Extra-lean ground beef – ground beef will give you that authentic flavour but you can also try making these burgers with ground turkey, chicken, pork or a combo of any of the three.
• Salt & pepper – to taste.
• Cheddar cheese slices – American, gouda, Monterey jack, Swiss or Havarti would all be delicious on these burgers.
• Potato buns – use sandwich rolls or any burger bun variety of your choice. For a low-carb option opt for lettuce wraps or skip the bun altogether.
• Butter – or the butter alternative of your choice.
• Tomato – leave this out altogether if you don’t like tomato or swap for another veggie like pickles.
• Lettuce – use iceberg or romaine lettuce or another leafy green.
• Crinkle-cut fries – serve with any fries of your choice like sweet potato fries or even homemade fries.

Shake Sauce

• Light mayo – you can use full-fat mayo, it’ll just increase the calorie count.
• Ketchup – if you don’t have any ketchup, swap it out for a bit of BBQ sauce, just keep in mind the sauce will taste different.
• Dijon mustard – stone-ground mustard is the closest substitute here.
• Pickle brine – use a little bit of pickle juice instead for a similar flavour.
• Paprika – cayenne or chili powder would both work too.
• Garlic powder – use a bit of fresh minced garlic if you don’t have any garlic powder on hand.

How to make a Shake Shack burger

Step 1: Form the beef into balls.

Mix the ingredients together for the Shack sauce and, if serving, bake crinkle cut fries in the oven according to package directions. Add salt & pepper to ground beef and mix together in a large bowl. Form 4 even round balls of beef.

Step 2: Smash the balls into patties.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over med-high heat. Add balls, then press down to “smash” into patties.

Step 3: Cook the burgers.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add on the cheese.

Add 1 cheese slice to each burger, then place lid over the skillet to let the cheese melt and remove from heat.

Step 5: Toast the buns.

Remove burger patties from skillet, and wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Butter the potato buns. Place in skillet, then add back to med-high heat, waiting until buns are lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble with your fave toppings and dig in!

Add burger patties to each bun, then top with tomato, lettuce and Shack sauce. Serve alongside crinkle cut fries if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions