RECIPE

Uncle Louie Burgers

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4

Bar Marmont, Los Angeles

Named for a line cook who added bacon, avocado and Russian dressing to the house burger, the Uncle Louie was once available only to staffers. Then a manager ordered a burger "Louie-style" in front of a few of the bar's regulars and word got out. By popular demand, it was added to the menu.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons ketchup
    2. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    3. 1/4 cup finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles
    4. 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
    5. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
    6. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    7. 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
    8. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    9. 2 pounds ground chuck
    10. 4 hamburger buns, preferably brioche, split and toasted
    11. Butter lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced cheddar cheese, crisp bacon and sliced avocado, for serving

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the ketchup with the mayonnaise, pickles, vinegar, dry mustard, cayenne and Old Bay; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. In a large bowl, season the chuck with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Gently mix the seasonings into the meat and shape into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Grill the hamburgers over moderately high heat for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Set the burgers on the buns, top with the ketchup sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon and avocado and serve.