Carl's Jr. Famous Star Copycat Recipe
Recreate the iconic Carl's Jr. Famous Star at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Juicy grilled beef, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, pickles, onions, and a tangy homemade burger sauce come together in a toasted sesame bun for an authentic restaurant-style burger.
Equipment
- Barbecue grill or grill pan
- skillet
- Small mixing bowl
- spatula
Ingredients
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped lettuce
- ¼ pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 dash salt
- 1 sesame-seed hamburger bun
- 1½ teaspoons ketchup
- 2 onion rings cut into quarters
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 2 tomato slices
- 3 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Preheat a barbecue grill or grill pan over high heat.
- Toast the hamburger bun, cut-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
- Set the toasted bun aside.
- Cut the onion rings into quarters.
- Mix the ketchup and sweet pickle relish in a small bowl to make the burger sauce.
- Shape the ground beef into a thin patty slightly larger than the bun.
- Season the patty lightly with salt.
- Grill the burger for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on the bottom bun.
- Top with the lettuce and tomato slices.
- Place the grilled beef patty on top.
- Add the pickle slices and onion pieces.
- Spoon over the burger sauce.
- Spread the remaining mayonnaise inside the top bun.
- Close the burger and serve immediately.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Use ground beef with about 20% fat for the juiciest burger and the best restaurant-style flavor. Toast the bun until lightly golden to help prevent it from becoming soggy after assembly. Serve with crispy fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for a complete American diner meal. Prepare the burger sauce a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to blend even better.Wine Advice
A smooth Merlot complements the juicy beef and tangy burger sauce beautifully. If you prefer beer, a crisp lager makes a classic partner for this American-style burger.Nutrition values
Calories: 490 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 26 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Sodium: 690 mg | Sugar: 7 g