Servings: 2 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for a good balance of fat and protein)
- 1/4 lb (113g) ground pork (to enhance the flavor and keep the burger juicy)
- 1/4 cup pork rinds (crushed into a fine powder, acting as a binder, instead of breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg (helps bind the meat and adds richness)
- 1 tbsp beef gelatin (optional, for a firmer texture and added protein)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor enhancement)
- For the Burger Toppings:
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or any cheese of your choice; ensure it’s zero-carb)
- 2 large lettuce leaves (for wrapping, if you’re avoiding a bun)
- 2 slices of tomato (optional, as tomatoes contain minimal carbs, but it’s up to you if you want to keep it zero-carb)
- For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp beef tallow or butter (for grilling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
- Mix the meats: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. You want a good fat-to-protein ratio for flavor and juiciness, so using 80/20 beef and adding in some pork will ensure your burgers are flavorful and tender.
- Add binders and seasonings: Add the crushed pork rinds (these will serve as your carb-free binder instead of breadcrumbs), the egg, beef gelatin (optional, but it adds a great texture), and your salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Shape the patties: Mix everything together until evenly combined. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and form each portion into a patty. You can make the patties as thick or thin as you like, but thinner patties tend to cook quicker. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
- Preheat the pan: Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add your beef tallow or butter to the pan and let it melt until it starts to sizzle.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until they reach your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should be around 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your patties.
- Add cheese: If you’re using cheese, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Carnivore Protein Burger
- Wrap in lettuce: For a carb-free “bun,” take two large lettuce leaves and use them to wrap the burger patties. You can use iceberg lettuce, romaine, or any large, sturdy lettuce variety that will hold up well.
- Add optional toppings: If you want to include a tomato slice, place it on top of one of the patties. Otherwise, keep it simple with just the juicy meat and melted cheese.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Your Carnivore Protein Burger is now ready to eat! Serve with a side of extra protein-rich options like hard-boiled eggs, more cheese, or bacon if you’re craving more savory flavors.
Nutritional Info (approximate per burger):
- Calories: ~500-600 calories (depending on the fat content of the meat and the size of the burger)
- Protein: ~40-45g
- Fat: ~40-45g
- Carbs: 0g (excluding optional tomato or any low-carb veggies)
Tips for the Best Carnivore Burger:
- Fat-to-Protein Ratio: Using a mix of fatty beef (like 80/20 or 70/30) along with ground pork or even ground lamb gives your burger the richness and juiciness that is crucial for flavor. If you’re not adding a lot of extra toppings or condiments, make sure your meat is well-seasoned.
- Make It Your Own: You can mix in additional carnivore-friendly flavoring agents, like bacon bits or beef jerky chopped up into tiny pieces, for a unique twist on your burger. The possibilities are endless within the carnivore diet!
- Cooking Method: While a skillet or grill is perfect, you can also cook these patties in an air fryer for a slightly crispier finish.
This Carnivore Protein Burger is a delicious, satisfying, and zero-carb way to enjoy a burger without the bun. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s the ultimate carnivore meal for those looking to stay full and energized!