Beyond Burger

Beyond Burger
⏱️ cook time 20 minutes
🍽️ servings 4
⚡ Difficulty easy

intro

Juicy, charred plant-based Beyond Burgers stacked with classic toppings, delivering that iconic cookout burger bite perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Beyond Burger plant-based patties 4 patties (113g each, 452g total)
Soft hamburger buns 4 split units (240g total)
Cheddar cheese slices (dairy or plant-based) 4 slices (20g each, 80g total)
Beefsteak tomato 4 thick 1cm slices (120g total)
Iceberg lettuce 4 large whole leaves (80g total)
Red onion 8 thin 3mm slices (60g total)
Dill pickle chips 12 slices (45g total)
Avocado oil 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Mayonnaise (dairy or plant-based) 4 tablespoons (60ml)
Ketchup 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Yellow mustard 1 tablespoon (15ml)

Steps

1

Prep burger toppings

Remove all topping ingredients from the fridge first: wash and pat completely dry 4 large iceberg lettuce leaves, slice beefsteak tomato into 1cm-thick slices, cut red onion into 3mm-thin rings, and drain 12 dill pickle slices. Arrange all toppings on a small platter next to your cooking station for fast assembly once patties finish cooking.

Step 1
step1:Prep burger toppings
2

Preheat cooking surface

Preheat a cast iron skillet, flat griddle, or outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat (200°C / 400°F). Lightly coat the hot cooking surface with 1 teaspoon of avocado oil, wiping away excess oil with a folded paper towel to prevent sticking and reduce excess smoke while searing.

Step 2
step2:Preheat cooking surface
3

Sear first patty side

Place cold (not brought to room temperature) Beyond Burger patties directly onto the preheated surface, leaving 2cm of space between each patty to allow even air flow. Do not press down on the patties at any point during cooking. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, until the bottom surface forms a deep, rich brown charred crust.

Step 3
step3:Sear first patty side
4

Flip and add cheese

Use a thin, flexible metal spatula to flip each patty in one smooth, steady motion to avoid breaking the formed crust. Immediately place one cheddar cheese slice on top of each flipped patty. Cook for an additional 2.5 to 3 minutes, until the second side is evenly charred and patties reach an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F, with cheese fully melted over the patty top.

Step 4
step4:Flip and add cheese
5

Rest patties, toast buns

Transfer cooked cheese-topped patties to a clean plate to rest for 1 full minute to let juices redistribute. During this rest time, place split hamburger buns cut-side down on the empty section of the hot cooking surface. Toast for 45 to 60 seconds, until the cut surfaces are light golden brown and slightly crisp, then move buns to the assembly plate.

Step 5
step5:Rest patties, toast buns
6

Assemble and serve

Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly across the cut side of each bottom bun, followed by 0.5 tablespoon of ketchup and 0.25 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Layer one rested cheese patty on the sauced bun, then top with 3 pickle slices, 2 red onion rings, 1 tomato slice, and 1 lettuce leaf. Press the top bun into place and serve immediately.

Step 6
step6:Assemble and serve

Tips

1.Keep Beyond Burger patties refrigerated until the moment you place them on the heat: room-temperature or fully thawed patties will turn mushy and fail to develop a crisp, meaty crust.
2.Never press down on cooking patties with your spatula: this squeezes out the flavorful plant-based fat that gives the burger its juicy, meat-like texture, resulting in dry, bland patties.
3.For an extra smoky BBQ twist, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika on top of each patty immediately after flipping, before adding the cheese slice, to mimic classic charcoal-grilled burger flavor.

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Beyond Burger:Frequently Asked Questions

1.Do I need to thaw Beyond Burger patties before cooking them for this juicy burger recipe?
Skip thawing for the best, juiciest results! Cooking patties straight from frozen prevents them from falling apart on the grill or pan and reduces excess fat runoff that leads to dry patties. Cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, and never press down on patties as they cook to lock in moisture.
2.What’s the best way to get that classic charred cookout crust on Beyond Burgers without drying them out?
Make sure your cooking surface—whether cast iron, a flat top, or outdoor grill grates—is fully preheated to medium-high (around 400°F) before adding patties. Don’t move patties for the first 3 minutes of cooking, and never press them, so a deep, flavorful char forms without squeezing out juicy plant-based fat.
3.Can I use plant-based cheddar instead of dairy cheddar for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with either dairy or plant-based cheddar slices. Add the cheese slice during the last 30 seconds of cooking, and cover the pan or grill with a lid for 10 seconds to help the cheese melt smoothly into that gooey, classic burger layer everyone loves.
4.How do I keep my soft hamburger buns from getting soggy under juicy Beyond Burger patties?
Toast your cut hamburger buns lightly on the cooking surface for 15–20 seconds right before assembling your burgers. For extra sogginess protection, spread a thin layer of condiment like mayo or mustard on both cut sides of the bun to create a barrier between the bread and wet toppings.
5.How thick should I slice my beefsteak tomato for these burgers?
Slice your beefsteak tomato into ¼-inch thick rounds for the perfect burger topping. Thicker slices will slip out of the bun when you take a bite, while paper-thin slices won’t deliver that bright, juicy tomato contrast to the savory patty. Pat slices lightly with a paper towel first to remove excess seedy juice.
6.Do I need to add extra oil to the pan or grill when cooking Beyond Burger patties?
You won’t need extra oil for most cooking surfaces! Beyond Burger patties release a good amount of plant-based fat as they cook, which is enough to prevent sticking on preheated grates or seasoned cast iron. If using stainless steel prone to sticking, a light spritz of neutral oil is all you need—skip heavy pours that make patties greasy.
7.What’s the best way to prep iceberg lettuce for these burgers?
Crisp iceberg lettuce is ideal here for that classic, cool, crunchy cookout burger bite. Tear off whole, sturdy leaves that match the size of your bun, give them a quick rinse, then pat them completely dry with paper towels before assembling. Skip delicate greens like arugula, which wilt too fast against the hot patty.
8.How do I know when my Beyond Burger is perfectly cooked and juicy, not overdone?
Cook patties until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, with a deep brown char on the outside and tender, juicy center. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for slightly crisp edges and a patty that holds firm when nudged with a spatula—overcooking will make the texture tough and dry.
9.Can I cook these Beyond Burgers on an outdoor gas grill for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, that’s one of our favorite ways to make them! Preheat your gas grill to medium-high, clean the grates well, and cook frozen patties directly on the grates for 3–4 minutes per side. Keep the lid closed between flips to hold heat, and move patties to a cooler spot if fat causes high flare-ups.
10.Should I season the Beyond Burger patties before cooking, or are they pre-seasoned?
Beyond Burger patties come lightly pre-seasoned, but a light sprinkle of kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper right before cooking elevates savoriness perfectly. Skip heavy sugar-heavy seasoning blends that burn quickly on high heat, and avoid salting too far ahead, which draws out moisture and leads to dry patties.
11.How do I prevent my Beyond Burger patties from sticking to the grill?
Start with fully preheated, clean grill grates—cold, dirty grates are the number one cause of stuck patties. You can rub grates lightly with an oil-dipped paper towel before adding patties, but don’t overdo it. Don’t try to flip too early; patties release easily once that charred crust has fully formed.
12.What order should I stack toppings to keep the burger structurally sound and juicy?
Start with a thin condiment layer on the bottom toasted bun, add your crisp iceberg lettuce leaf, then the cheesy cooked patty, followed by your patted-dry beefsteak tomato slice, any extra toppings like pickles, then condiment on the top bun. The lettuce acts as an extra barrier to keep the bottom bun from getting soggy.
13.Can I make these burgers ahead of time for a summer party?
For the juiciest results, cook patties right before serving, but you can prep all toppings ahead to cut down on day-of work. Slice tomatoes, wash and dry lettuce, and set out cheese and buns up to 4 hours ahead, keeping cold toppings chilled. Pre-cooked Beyond Burgers get dry and rubbery when reheated, so a fresh cook is best.
14.My patties always curl when I cook them—how do I keep them flat for even stacking?
A simple trick to prevent curling is to make a shallow ½-inch indent in the center of each frozen patty with your thumb before putting it on heat. As the patty cooks and contracts, the indent will puff up evenly instead of making edges curl up, so you get a flat patty that sits perfectly on soft buns without sliding toppings.
15.Are these burgers suitable for guests with dairy allergies?
They absolutely can be! Just swap dairy cheddar slices for your favorite certified plant-based cheddar, double-check that your hamburger buns are dairy-free, and use dairy-free condiments like vegan mayo. You’ll get the same juicy, charred, classic cookout burger bite that works for all guests, regardless of dietary preference.

Comments (10)

2 days ago

OMG these came out SO juicy I was shocked! I’ve tried making Beyond Burgers a dozen times and they always turn out dry and crumbly, but following this easy recipe? My kids devoured two each at our family dinner last night, even my picky middle one who swears he ‘hates fake meat.’ Total game changer for our weeknight meals!

1 day ago

Wait did you thaw the patties first or cook from frozen? I always mess that up!

22 hours ago

Great question! For the juiciest results, we recommend cooking straight from frozen over medium heat — no thawing needed, it helps lock in all that moisture so you don’t get that dry, crumbly texture!

3 days ago

Took these to my neighborhood potluck over the weekend and everyone was asking for the recipe! Half the crew didn’t even realize they were plant-based until I told them. Only knock is I wish I’d made a double batch, they were gone in 10 minutes flat.

2 days ago

Love hearing that! They’re always a potluck hit — pro tip next time: make a few extra, they reheat great for quick lunches the next day too!

5 minutes ago

Finally a Beyond Burger recipe that doesn’t require a million fancy ingredients! I’m a college student with a tiny dorm kitchen and this still took me less than 20 minutes total, super easy. Topped mine with pickles, caramelized onions, and a little vegan mayo, chef’s kiss.

1 week ago

Added these to my weekly meal prep rotation! I made 6 patties on Sunday, kept them in the fridge, and they stayed juicy all week when I reheated them for lunch. Way better than grabbing fast food on my work breaks, saves me so much time and money.

6 days ago

How do you reheat them without them getting tough? I tried microwaving leftover plant-based burgers before and they turned rubbery!

yesterday

I was skeptical because I usually find plant-based burgers pretty bland, but the seasoning tip in this recipe? *Chef’s kiss* I served these at my game night watch party and even my die-hard carnivore brother went back for seconds. SO good, 10/10.

12 hours ago

Which seasoning blend did you use? I have a bunch of random spices in my cabinet and don’t want to overdo it!

8 hours ago

We love a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper for these! It complements the Beyond patty flavor without overpowering it, no fancy spice blends required.

30 minutes ago

Made these for my roommate’s birthday cookout and they slapped! Only had a tiny skillet in our apartment so I cooked them in batches, but they still came out juicy every time. Didn’t even need to add extra oil, which was a win for my non-stick pan.

2 weeks ago

Tried this recipe last night after seeing all the rave reviews and wow, it did not disappoint! I usually overcook burgers to the point they’re hockey pucks, but the timing guide here was spot on for that perfect juicy, medium doneness. Cook time really was only 20 minutes start to finish too, which was perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

1 week ago

So glad the timing guide worked for you! It can be so tricky to not overcook plant-based patties, but that medium heat + timed flip method makes it almost foolproof, even for beginner cooks.

5 days ago

Made these for my partner who’s a total burger snob and he said these are better than the beef burgers we get at our local dive bar! I topped ours with vegan cheese, crispy plant-based bacon bits, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce, and it was absolute perfection. Only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is I wish the recipe had a note about toasting the buns, mine got a little soggy when I put the hot patty on the plain bun.

4 days ago

Thank you so much for the feedback! That’s a great call — we just added a quick note to the recipe recommending toasting buns for 1-2 minutes on the pan while the patties rest to avoid that sogginess, we appreciate you pointing that out!

2 hours ago

Wait, is there a trick to keeping the patties from sticking to the grill? I tried making these on my outdoor gas grill last weekend and half the patty stuck to the grates even though I oiled them. They still tasted amazing, but presentation was rough for when I had guests over!

1 hour ago

I had the same issue the first time! Try letting the grates get super hot before you put the patties down, and don’t flip them too early — if they’re sticking, they’re not ready to flip yet, they’ll release on their own once they get that nice sear!

45 minutes ago

That’s such a common grill issue! We recommend oiling the grates right before adding the frozen patties, preheating the grill to 400°F, and waiting a full 4 minutes before the first flip — that sear creates a natural non-stick surface so your patties stay in one piece!

just now

Dude these are insane. I ate three of them in one sitting no cap. Cooked them on my cast iron, added a slice of pepper jack, some grilled jalapeños, and a slather of chipotle aioli. Will be making these every other week for sure, so easy even I can’t mess them up.