Description
The California Burger is a fresh and flavorful burger featuring juicy, perfectly cooked beef patties layered with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, red onion, and optional pickles. Lightly toasted buns and a creamy mayo or aioli spread complete this vibrant and satisfying meal that combines texture, taste, and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4 burger buns, soft and lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
- 4 leaves Romaine or butter lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Pickles (optional, as desired)
Condiments & Seasoning
- Mayo or aioli, for spreading
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: Gently shape the ground beef into evenly sized patties, taking care not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness. Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until they reach medium doneness. Avoid pressing the patties down to keep them juicy.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the burger buns then toast them on the grill or in a pan until golden brown. This adds flavor, texture, and prevents sogginess from the toppings.
- Slice Veggies and Avocado: While the patties cook, slice the tomato, red onion, and lettuce leaves. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and slice into thick pieces or mash lightly for easier layering.
- Assemble the California Burger: Spread mayo or aioli on the bottom bun. Layer lettuce first, then place the beef patty. On top, add tomato slices, onion, and avocado. Add pickles if desired. Spread mayo on the top bun and close the burger.
Notes
- Don’t overwork the ground beef to keep patties tender and juicy.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure creamy texture without mushiness.
- Always toast buns to add crunch and avoid sogginess.
- Season patties just before cooking for optimal juiciness.
- Choose fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: California Burger, avocado burger, fresh burger, grilled beef burger, summer burger, homemade burger