Forget the takeout menu and say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal! There’s nothing quite like a thick, juicy, homemade beef burger, cooked to perfection. We’re ditching the bun to keep things low-carb and pairing these flavor-packed patties with the most addictive side imaginable: crispy, golden halloumi fries. This is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, delivering incredible flavor without the carbs. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients
• FOR THE JUICY BURGER PATTIES
• 2 pounds / 900 g grass-fed ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• FOR THE GOURMET TOPPINGS
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ red onion, sliced
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 ounces / 60 g fresh soft goat cheese, crumbled
• FOR THE CRISPY HALLOUMI FRIES
• 3 cups / 720 ml high-heat oil for frying (avocado or coconut oil recommended)
• 8.8 ounces / 250 g halloumi cheese, sliced into fry-shaped sticks
• FOR THE SIDE SALAD (OPTIONAL)
• 4 large handfuls of mixed salad greens
• 2-Minute Homemade Mayonnaise, for dressing
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 5 inches (12.75 cm) wide and ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. Press a slight indent into the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron pan to high heat.
3. While the grill heats, prepare the onions. Heat the olive oil in a separate frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 5-10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the burger patties on the hot grill or pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for a perfect medium, or adjust the time to your desired doneness.
5. While the burgers cook, make the halloumi fries. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat about 2 inches of frying oil to 350°F (177°C). Carefully add the halloumi sticks to the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, until deep golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Assemble your masterpiece! Top each cooked burger patty with a generous portion of the sautéed onions and crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately with the hot halloumi fries and a fresh side salad, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• NUTRITION & DETAILS
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Makes: 4 servings
• This recipe is low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with protein and healthy fats. is an estimate and will vary based on used.
Pro Tips
• Press a small indent into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up into a ball on the grill.
• For extra crispy halloumi fries, pat the cheese sticks completely dry with a paper towel before frying. Moisture is the enemy of a good crisp!
• Resist the urge to press down on your burgers with a spatula while they cook! This squeezes out the delicious, flavorful juices, resulting in a dry patty.
• Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
FAQ
Q: Is this bunless burger recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly. By eliminating the bun and using high-fat ingredients like 80% lean ground beef, goat cheese, and halloumi, it’s a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet.
Q: How do I get my halloumi fries extra crispy
A: The secret to perfectly crispy halloumi fries is to remove as much moisture as possible before frying. Be sure to pat the halloumi sticks completely dry with a paper towel before carefully adding them to the hot oil.
Q: Why did my burger puff up into a ball while cooking
A: To prevent burgers from puffing up, press a slight indent into the center of each raw patty with your thumb. This pro tip helps the burger cook more evenly and maintain its flat, wide shape on the grill or pan.
Q: Can I cook these burgers on the stove instead of a grill
A: Absolutely. The recipe instructions mention that a preheated cast-iron pan on high heat is an excellent alternative to a grill for cooking the patties. You’ll still get a fantastic sear and a juicy result.
