When it comes to burgers that pack bold, savory flavors, the Burger King Steakhouse Whopper reigns supreme. From the crispy bacon and onion rings to the creamy peppercorn aioli, it’s the kind of burger that makes fast food feel like a gourmet treat.
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How to make Burger King Steakhouse Whopper
Burger King Steakhouse Whopper is a limited-time Whopper variation that upgrades the classic flame-grilled beef burger with steakhouse-style toppings for a richer, more savory flavor.
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 Sesame Seed Bun: Toasted to perfection.
- 1 Beef Patty (about 4-5 ounces): Use high-quality ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a juicy patty.
- 2-3 Onion Rings: Pre-cooked or homemade for a crispy bite.
- 2-3 Strips of Bacon: Cooked to crispy perfection.
- 2 Slices of Swiss Cheese: Melty and mild with a nutty flavor.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: About 1/4 cup, cooked until tender.
- Lettuce Leaves: For a fresh crunch.
- Tomato Slices: 2-3 thick slices.
- Peppercorn Aioli: The star sauce of the burger.
For the Peppercorn Aioli (Homemade):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove minced garlic (optional for an extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pickles (if you like a tangy burst)
- Red onion slices for additional crunch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Burger Patty: Form the ground beef into a patty, slightly larger than your bun as it will shrink while cooking. Handle the meat gently to avoid over-compacting it. Season both sides of the patty with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness (adjust time based on preferred doneness level). During the last minute of cooking, place the Swiss cheese slice(s) on the patty to melt.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a touch of butter or olive oil and sauté sliced mushrooms over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they are tender and browned (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
4. Prepare the Onion Rings: If using store-bought frozen onion rings, cook according to package instructions (typically bake in the oven or air fry). If making from scratch, create batter-coated rings, fry them until golden, and set them aside to cool slightly.
5. Make the Peppercorn Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings to preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Toast the Bun: Butter the inner sides of the sesame seed bun lightly and toast in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
7. Assemble the Steakhouse Whopper: On the bottom bun, slather a generous amount of the peppercorn aioli. Add lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Place the cheesy beef patty on top. Layer with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and onion rings. Spread another layer of aioli on the top bun and crown the burger. Press the burger gently to keep everything in place.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The fresher the lettuce, tomatoes, and beef, the better your burger will taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Patty: For the juiciest results, avoid pressing the patty down while cooking and use a meat thermometer if needed (160°F for medium).
- Customize Your Sauce: The peppercorn aioli is key to giving you the true Steakhouse Whopper flavor, but feel free to tweak it! Add a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness or a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce for more depth.
- Homemade Onion Rings: If you want to go all out, prepare your onion rings from scratch. Dip onion slices in a batter made of flour, spices, and soda water, then fry until crispy.
- Assemble Quickly: The key to the perfect burger is to keep everything hot and fresh. Assemble the burger as soon as the components are ready to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with Fries: Want the full “fast food” experience? Pair your homemade Steakhouse Whopper with a side of crispy fries or onion rings!
Ingredients Substitutes
Recreating the Burger King Steakhouse Whopper at home is all about flavor, but sometimes you might not have every ingredient on hand—or you might want to customize the burger to suit dietary preferences or taste.
1. Beef Patty Substitutes
The main attraction of the Burger King Steakhouse Whopper is the juicy, flame-grilled beef patty. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are your options:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter and leaner alternative to beef, ground turkey or chicken can be seasoned to mimic the savory taste of beef. Add some olive oil or a small amount of grated onion for moisture, as these meats are leaner and can dry out faster.
- Plant-Based Patty: For vegetarians or vegans, use a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger. These patties mimic the taste and texture of beef and work perfectly in this recipe.
- Portobello Mushroom Cap: For a lighter, meatless option, use a large grilled portobello mushroom cap as the “patty.” It absorbs flavors well and provides a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the toppings.
2. Swiss Cheese Substitutes
The mild nuttiness of Swiss cheese is a key element of the Burger King Steakhouse Whopper. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, try these alternatives:
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone has a similar mild, creamy flavor and melts beautifully, making it a great substitute for Swiss.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper and slightly tangier kick, cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor that works well in the burger.
- Gouda or Havarti Cheese: These cheeses are creamy and mild, just like Swiss, but bring a hint of sweetness to the burger.
- Vegan Cheese: If you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, opt for a plant-based cheese alternative. Brands like Violife and Daiya offer delicious, melty vegan cheese slices in Swiss, provolone, or cheddar flavors.
3. Bacon Substitutes
The crispy bacon adds smokiness and extra richness. If you don’t eat pork or want a substitute, here are some options:
- Turkey Bacon: A leaner alternative with a similar texture and smoky flavor, ideal for those avoiding pork. Cook it until crispy for the best results.
- Beef Bacon: Beef bacon has a richer, meatier flavor and is an excellent substitute for those seeking non-pork alternatives.
- Vegan Bacon Strips: Try plant-based bacon alternatives, such as Lightlife Smart Bacon or Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon. These options replicate the smoky, crispy qualities of bacon.
- Crispy Smoked Tofu Strips: Thinly slice smoked, marinated tofu, then pan-fry it until crispy. It works as an excellent meat-free alternative for bacon lovers.
4. Onion Rings Substitutes
Onion rings provide crunch and sweetness. If onion rings aren’t available, try these:
- Fried Shallots: Thinly sliced and fried shallots offer a lighter, crispy option with a slightly milder onion flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter and softer alternative, caramelized onions can be used. Although they lack the crunch, they bring a rich, savory flavor.
- Crispy Fried Potatoes: If you’re skipping onions entirely, thin slices of fried potatoes provide a similar golden-brown crunch.
- Air-Fried Onion Strips: For a lighter version, dip onion slices in seasoned breadcrumbs, then air fry until crispy.
5. Peppercorn Aioli Substitutes
The peppercorn aioli is the signature sauce that makes the Steakhouse Whopper stand out. If you can’t make or find the exact sauce, use these alternatives:
- Garlic Mayo with Black Pepper: Mix mayonnaise with minced garlic, a touch of Dijon mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper for a quick and easy substitute.
- Ranch Dressing: While it lacks the peppery kick, ranch dressing has a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the burger.
Final Thoughts
By thoughtfully pairing your homemade Burger King Steakhouse Whopper with the right sides, drinks, and desserts, you’ll create a restaurant-quality experience your family or guests will love.
More Burger King Recipes:
- Homemade Burger King French Fries Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Krabby Whopper Recipe
- Copycat Burger King Spongebob Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 Sesame Seed Bun
- 1 Beef Patty (about 4-5 ounces)
- 2-3 Onion Rings
- 2-3 Strips of Bacon
- 2 Slices of Swiss Cheese
- Sautéed Mushrooms: About 1/4 cup
- Lettuce Leaves: For a fresh crunch.
- Tomato Slices: 2-3 thick slices.
- Peppercorn Aioli
For the Peppercorn Aioli (Homemade):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pickles (if you like a tangy burst)
- Red onion slices
Instructions
1. Prepare the Burger Patty: Form the ground beef into a patty, slightly larger than your bun as it will shrink while cooking. Handle the meat gently to avoid over-compacting it. Season both sides of the patty with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium doneness (adjust time based on preferred doneness level). During the last minute of cooking, place the Swiss cheese slice(s) on the patty to melt.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a touch of butter or olive oil and sauté sliced mushrooms over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until they are tender and browned (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
4. Prepare the Onion Rings: If using store-bought frozen onion rings, cook according to package instructions (typically bake in the oven or air fry). If making from scratch, create batter-coated rings, fry them until golden, and set them aside to cool slightly.
5. Make the Peppercorn Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings to preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Toast the Bun: Butter the inner sides of the sesame seed bun lightly and toast in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
7. Assemble the Steakhouse Whopper: On the bottom bun, slather a generous amount of the peppercorn aioli. Add lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Place the cheesy beef patty on top. Layer with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and onion rings. Spread another layer of aioli on the top bun and crown the burger. Press the burger gently to keep everything in place.
