Main Dish

California Burger with Avocado

A juicy burger with sliced avocado, pickled red onions, and lettuce on a toasted bun, held by a hand.
Prep
15 mins
Cook
10 mins
Servings
4
AmericanEasyLunchDinnerDairy Free

About this dish

This California burger brings together a juicy beef patty, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled onions on a toasted bun, capturing the easy-going spirit of West Coast cuisine. It’s the perfect summer grilling recipe for burger lovers who want something fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

ground beef (80/20)

protein

680g

Imperial measurement: 1.5 lbs

salt

spice

1 tsp

black pepper

spice

1/2 tsp

garlic powder

spice

1/2 tsp

burger buns

grain

4 buns

ripe but firm avocado

fruit

2

red onion, thinly sliced

vegetable

1 small

apple cider vinegar

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

water

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

sugar

other

1 tbsp

lettuce leaves

vegetable

4 large leaves

tomato, sliced

fruit

1 large

mayonnaise (optional)

fat

2 tbsp

Method

1

Make quick pickled onions

10 minutes

In a small bowl, combine sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir and let sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest.

2

Season and form patties

5 minutes

Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently shape into patties slightly larger than the buns, pressing a small indent in the center. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3

Grill the patties

10 minutes

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F). Grill patties for about 4 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness. In the last minute, place buns cut-side down on the grill to toast lightly.

4

Assemble burgers

2 minutes

Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun if using. Layer lettuce, tomato, the cooked patty, sliced avocado, and drained pickled onions. Close with the top bun.

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Small bowl
  • Cutting board and knife

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
32 g
Protein
33 g
Carbohydrates
28 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
720 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • For the juiciest patties, handle the meat as little as possible and avoid pressing down on them with a spatula while grilling.
  • Pickled onions can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for even more flavor.
  • Use a ripe but firm avocado: it should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy.
  • If you don't have a grill, cook the patties in a cast iron skillet over high heat.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or crunchy pickles.

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Hannah Parker

Recipe by

Hannah Parker

Specialises in American cuisine

Hannah makes apple pie with a lattice crust. She won a county fair ribbon at age 12.

Describe yourself in three words: Wholesome, lattice queen, apple-y.