We are kicking off birthday season over here! From the beginning of August till February, all of Justin and I's family members birthdays are packed in (not to mention all of the holidays as well) and it is full blown celebration mode over here!
My dad kicks things off for us and we enjoyed one of his most favorite things yesterday, family dinner on the back deck. My parents back deck and yard are one of the greatest things in life! It is peaceful, quiet and time gets lost when you are out there. That yard has seen many of a birthday party, camp meetings, celebrations, events and the mecca of so much good food!!
One of my dads most favorite meals in life are burgers. I am pretty sure we had them every other day in the summers growing up. He loves them so much that he and my mom will grill them over the fireplace in the winter (and they are really really good!). So to celebrate Dad today, I am sharing his Lettuce Wrap Burger Recipe. Skip the bun and wrap all that goodness up in some crispy iceberg lettuce. It is juicy and delicious and you won't miss the bun, I promise!
This recipe is simple and doesn't require anything fancy. All you need is 1 pound of ground beef and to divide it into 4 equal patties. Or you can do a little bit thicker and bigger of a patty and just make 2 burgers out of the pound, up to you. However, for a general reference, 1 pound of meat will make 2 large patties or 4 smaller ones.
Pat the rounds out pretty flat. Ground beef tends to puff up as you grill them and making them a litter flatter and even will ensure a great stackable patty! Season each side liberally with salt and pepper and wha-laa, that is it!
Preheat the grill to 450 degrees and follow this simple process below:
- Throw the patties on the hot grill.
- Close the lid.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Open the lid and flip patties (admiring the grill marks as you do).
- Close the lid.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Open lid, remove patties and place on platter.
- Let rest for about 5 minutes - or long enough for you to gather your toppings.
- Assemble!
It is literally that easy. No fancy ingredients, less than 10 minutes and you will have a drool-worthy burger in your hands satisfying every craving you have at the moment. Top with anything and everything and all your favorite condiments. My preferred choices are:
- Cheese (try Munster on our burger next time.... YUM!)
- Fresh tomatoes
- LOTS of pickles
- Homemade honey mustard
If we are being extra indulgent we will add crispy onion straws - shoutout to my Dad again for that great idea! Just thinly slice an onion. Beat 2 eggs and pour over onions, tossing to make sure everything is covered. In a separate shallow dish add flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer some onions a little at a time to the flour mixture and coat evenly. Place coated onions straws in a cast iron skillet filled halfway with oil that is heated to 350 degrees and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Lay on a plate lined with paper towels and salt while hot. Try to save some for the actual burgers and don't just snack on them as they come out fresh....warning they are super addicting!
Pair this burger with Sweet Potato Fries and Watermelon Orzo Salad, washing it all down with Triple Berry Brown Butter Crisp and you will be in food heaven!
Summer is still alive and well so put a Lettuce Wrap Burger on your weekend menu. My dad would is proud. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Daddy!! You're the best and we love you oh so very much!
Recipe
Lettuce Wrap Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Do not knock Lettuce Wrap Burgers until you try them! Once you do you will never miss a hamburger bun again. This low carb option doesn't skimp on flavor and is dripping with juicy goodness!
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 Head of Iceberg Lettuce
Toppings
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Crispy Onion Straws or Onions
- Honey Mustard, Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo
- Any Topping of Your Liking!
Instructions
Burgers
- Heat up the grill to 450 degrees.
- Divide the 1 pound of beef into 4 equal size patties. Pat them down as flat as you can as they tend to round when you grill them.
- Sprinkle each side liberally with salt and pepper.
- Lay each patty on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on that side then flip, closing the lid again and cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and them the patties rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes before serving.
To Assemble
- Cut the bottom stem off of the iceberg lettuce head. Gently remove each leaf trying not to tear them in half as you do.
- Lay a single lettuce leaf down. Place burger inside and add any and all toppings desired.
- Fold the remaining tops of lettuce over the topped burger to enclose the toppings and form a wrap. Pick up and enjoy!
Notes
- I used 85/15 ground beef but any blend will work!
- Nutrition facts only include beef patty and lettuce - no toppings or condiments
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Burgers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 76.4 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 21.2 g
- Cholesterol: 76.8 mg
