McDonald's-Style Big Mac

This version replaces industrial seed oils and refined sugars with wholesome, minimally processed ingredients for a hearty and satisfying burger.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 artisan sprouted whole wheat buns
  • 2 slices organic cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise (for the sauce)
  • 2 tbsp finely minced dill pickles (for the sauce)
  • 1 tbsp organic Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp avocado oil (for the skillet)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Form into four thin patties.
  2. Whisk together avocado oil mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, minced garlic, maple syrup, minced dill pickles, and the extra smoked paprika in a small bowl to create the 'special sauce.'
  3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a teaspoon of avocado oil.
  4. Cook beef patties for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F. Top two of the patties with a cheddar slice during the last minute so it melts.
  5. Briefly toast the sprouted wheat buns in the same skillet until lightly golden. Toast the bottom halves of two extra buns as well — these become the signature middle 'club' layers.
  6. Assemble each of the two burgers double-decker style: spread sauce on the bottom bun, add diced onion, lettuce, and a cheese-topped patty. Place a toasted middle bun layer on top, spread more sauce, add lettuce, pickles, more onion, and the second patty, then close with the top bun.

FAQ

Why is maple syrup used instead of sugar in this Big Mac recipe?

Maple syrup offers a more natural sweetener without the processing and high glycemic impact of typical refined sugars used by restaurants.

What makes avocado oil a better choice than seed oils for this dish?

Avocado oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and avoids the common inflammatory issues associated with seed oils like soybean or canola, which are typically used in restaurant versions.

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