Cali-Fresh Burger Lettuce Wraps with Secret Sauce
Experience the iconic West Coast burger taste, reimagined for a fresh, low-carb lifestyle! These Cali-Fresh Burger Lettuce Wraps deliver all the flavor – juicy seasoned patties, sweet caramelized onions, crisp veggies, and that signature secret sauce – all nestled in crunchy lettuce cups. Perfect for a satisfying, guilt-free meal that's mindful of carbohydrate content and free of added sugars.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Caramelized Onions:
- 3 medium yellow onions
- 1 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- Sea salt to your preference
For the Savory Beef Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef preferably 80/20 or 85/15 lean
- 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to your preference
- Sea salt to your preference
For the Special Burger Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar-free pickle relish or finely minced dill pickle
- ¾ teaspoon white wine vinegar
For Assembling the Wraps:
- 12 large crisp green leaf lettuce leaves (or 3 small heads of iceberg lettuce, separated into cups)
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes sliced
- 6 dill pickles thinly sliced
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese naturally colored if possible; omit for dairy-free
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin half-moons or dice them to about ½ inch. Place a large skillet (at least 12 inches) over medium-low to medium heat. Once the pan is warmed, add the oil, followed by the prepared onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes, or until they achieve a rich, sweet flavor and deep golden-brown color. Season with sea salt to your liking during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and set aside. This should yield approximately 1 ½ cups of caramelized onions.
- Prepare Burger Components & Sauce: While the onions are slowly caramelizing, prepare the remaining ingredients. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Slice the tomatoes and pickles. In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients for the Special Burger Sauce: avocado oil mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, sugar-free pickle relish, and white wine vinegar. Set aside.
- Form and Season the Patties: Gently shape the ground beef into 6 equal patties, each about ¾-inch thick. To avoid tough burgers, handle the meat as little as possible. In a small dish, mix the yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Evenly spread this mustard mixture on one side of each patty. Season both sides of the patties with sea salt (if using) and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Preheat your grill or a heavy-bottomed skillet to a consistent medium-high heat, approximately 375-425°F (190-220°C). Place the patties mustard-side down onto the hot surface. Cook for 5-9 minutes on the first side. Flip the patties carefully. If using cheese, place a slice on top of each patty immediately after flipping. Continue to cook for another 5-9 minutes on the second side, or until the burgers reach your desired internal temperature and level of doneness. (A minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef is recommended for safety).
- Assemble the Wraps: Once the patties are cooked, assemble your Cali-Fresh Burger Lettuce Wraps without delay. Lay out two lettuce leaves per serving to form a sturdy "bun." Place a cooked beef patty (with cheese, if used) onto the lettuce. Top generously with a portion of the caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, and dill pickles. Drizzle or spread with the Special Burger Sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your flavorful, low-carb burger wraps right away.
Notes
- Cheese Choice: For an authentic look and great melt, a good quality sharp yellow cheddar works well. Look for naturally colored varieties if preferred. Omit for dairy-free versions.
- Beef Fat Content: Using ground beef with a fat content of 15-20% (like 80/20 or 85/15) provides excellent flavor and helps keep the patties juicy. If you opt for leaner beef, be extra careful not to overcook them.
- Mindful Eating: This recipe is crafted to be lower in carbohydrates and free from added sugars, making it a suitable option for individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet. Always consider your personal dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
- Calories: Approx. 493 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 27.1 g
- Total Fat: Approx. 37.6 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 11.3 g
- Total Carbohydrates: Approx. 14 g
- Dietary Fiber: Approx. 2.9 g
- Total Sugars: Approx. 5.7 g (primarily naturally occurring from vegetables)
- Sodium: Approx. 934 mg (This can vary significantly based on the brands of cheese, pickles, condiments, and the amount of salt added during cooking.)