DIY Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger: A Step-by-Step Guide

Craving that mouthwatering Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger but don't want to leave the house? You're in luck! This guide will walk you through recreating this iconic burger in your own kitchen, step by step. Get ready for a taste sensation that rivals the original!

What Makes the Whiskey River BBQ Burger So Special?

The Whiskey River BBQ Burger is a symphony of flavors and textures. The juicy beef patty, the smoky BBQ sauce, the crispy onion straws, the melted cheddar cheese, and the creamy mayo all come together in perfect harmony. It's a burger experience, not just a meal.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Burger Patty:
   
• 80/20 Ground Beef (8 oz per burger)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• For the Whiskey River BBQ Sauce:
   
• (A detailed recipe for homemade sauce will be provided below, or you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce as a shortcut)
• For the Onion Straws:
   
• 1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Vegetable Oil, for frying
• For the Burger Assembly:
   
• Cheddar Cheese Slices
• Mayonnaise
• Burger Buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato Slices (optional)

Making the Whiskey River BBQ Sauce (Homemade):

This is where the magic happens! A homemade Whiskey River BBQ sauce elevates this burger to a whole new level. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 cup Ketchup
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Molasses
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 cup Whiskey (Bourbon works well)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Let cool before using.

Making the Crispy Onion Straws:

These add a delightful crunch to the burger.

1. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge the onion slices in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the onion straws in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Cooking the Burger Patty:

1. Gently form the ground beef into 8-oz patties. Avoid overworking the meat.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness.
5. In the last minute of cooking, place cheddar cheese slices on top of the patties to melt.

Assembling the Burger:

1. Lightly toast the burger buns.
2. Spread mayonnaise on both halves of the bun.
3. Place lettuce on the bottom bun.
4. Top with the cheeseburger patty.
5. Generously slather with Whiskey River BBQ sauce.
6. Pile on the crispy onion straws.
7. Add tomato slices (optional).
8. Place the top bun and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect DIY Whiskey River BBQ Burger:

• Use high-quality ground beef: This makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the burger.
• Don't overcook the patty: A juicy burger is a happy burger.
• Make the BBQ sauce ahead of time: This allows the flavors to meld together.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer: Fry the onion straws in batches to ensure they get crispy.
• Toast the buns: This prevents them from getting soggy.

Variations and Substitutions:

• For a healthier option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also bake the onion straws instead of frying them.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
• Add bacon: Everything is better with bacon!
• Use different cheese: Pepper jack or provolone would also be delicious.

Conclusion:

Recreating the Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger at home is easier than you think! With a little effort and these helpful instructions, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime you want. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a burger experience that will knock your socks off! Enjoy your homemade Whiskey River BBQ Burger!

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