THE PERFECT BUNLESS BURGER

The Perfect Bunless Burger

A juicy, low-carb burger wrapped in crisp lettuce or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Key Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Medium

Dietary: Low-carb, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or grill pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Meat thermometer (recommended)
Alternative: Regular frying pan works fine

Ingredients

For the Patties:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 tsp (5g) salt
1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
1/2 tsp (2.5g) garlic powder (optional)

For the “Buns” (choose one):

8 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
OR
8 large portobello mushrooms

Toppings:

4 slices cheese (optional)
1 large tomato, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
Dill pickles
Your favorite sauce (mayo, mustard, sugar-free ketchup)

Raw burger patty with dimpled center being formed on a marble countertop, seasoned to taste

Method

1. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick. 2. Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb. 3. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Grilling portobello mushrooms with smoke rising and olive oil glistening

If Using Mushrooms: 4. Clean mushrooms and remove stems. 5. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. 6. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until tender.For the Patties: 7. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. 8. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium. 9. Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). 10. Add cheese in final minute if desired.

Sizzling beef patties with melting cheese in a cast iron skillet producing steam

Assembly: 11. Place patty on lettuce leaf or mushroom. 12. Add toppings. 13. Wrap with second leaf or top with second mushroom.

Burger assembly with crisp lettuce wrap and colorful toppings arranged

Crucial Tips

Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties.
Never press down on cooking patties.
Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
If using lettuce, double-wrap for stability.

Storage

Keep cooked patties refrigerated up to 3 days.
Store components separately.
Best eaten fresh.

Scaling

Recipe easily doubles.
Keep patties same size for even cooking.

Common Mistakes

Making patties too thick.
Overcooking mushrooms.
Not drying lettuce leaves properly.

Cross section of a juicy, bunless burger garnished with lettuce and tomatoes

Variations

Turkey or chicken patties (cook to 165°F/74°C).
Add avocado for healthy fat.
Try different cheese varieties.
Experiment with various low-carb sauces.

Remember: The key to a perfect bunless burger is in the quality of your meat and careful temperature control. Don’t rush the process!

https://thecastawaykitchen.com/paleo-perfect-burger/