Recreate Red Robin’s Whiskey River BBQ Burger at Home: The Ultimate Recipe

Craving that sweet and smoky goodness of Red Robin’s Whiskey River BBQ Burger but don’t want to leave the house? Well, you’re in luck! This recipe will guide you through every step of creating a burger that’s even better than the original, complete with crispy onion straws and that unforgettable whiskey-infused BBQ sauce. Prepare to impress your family and friends with your burger-making skills!

This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips for each component, ensuring you achieve burger perfection. We’ll cover everything from crafting the juicy patty to making the signature whiskey BBQ sauce and achieving that perfectly crispy onion straw texture. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure!

## The Ultimate Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger Recipe

This recipe is broken down into four key components:

1. **The Patty:** The foundation of any great burger is, of course, the beef patty. We’ll aim for a juicy, flavorful patty that holds its shape and cooks evenly.
2. **Whiskey River BBQ Sauce:** This is the star of the show! We’ll recreate the sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor profile of Red Robin’s iconic sauce.
3. **Onion Straws:** Crispy, golden brown, and perfectly seasoned, these onion straws add the perfect crunch and flavor complement to the burger.
4. **Assembly:** The final step is bringing it all together! We’ll discuss the best buns, toppings, and techniques for creating a burger that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Let’s dive in!

### 1. The Patty: Building the Perfect Burger Base

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend is recommended for optimal flavor and juiciness)
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 1 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Salt
* 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Beef Mixture:** In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough patty. Use your hands to gently incorporate the ingredients until just combined.
2. **Form the Patties:** Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about ¾ inch thick and slightly larger than your burger buns. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb. This helps prevent the patties from bulging in the center during cooking.
3. **Chill the Patties (Optional but Recommended):** Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the patties hold their shape during cooking and prevents them from shrinking excessively.
4. **Preheat Your Cooking Surface:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough to create a good sear on the patties.
5. **Cook the Patties:** Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet or on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
6. **Rest the Patties:** Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more flavorful and tender burger.

**Tips for Patty Perfection:**

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the ground beef will result in a tough, dense patty. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
* **Use Cold Beef:** Starting with cold ground beef helps prevent the patties from crumbling during formation.
* **Don’t Press Down:** Avoid pressing down on the patties while they’re cooking, as this squeezes out the juices and results in a dry burger.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty, avoiding bone.

### 2. Whiskey River BBQ Sauce: Recreating the Signature Flavor

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup Ketchup
* 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
* 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
* 2 tbsp Molasses
* 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
* 2 tbsp Whiskey (Bourbon is recommended)
* 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
* 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
* 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
* Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little kick)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, whiskey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, smoked paprika for smokiness, or cayenne pepper for heat.
4. **Cool and Store:** Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

**Tips for Sauce Success:**

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the sauce. Use a good quality ketchup, brown sugar, and whiskey.
* **Don’t Skip the Simmering:** Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and thicken, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Adjust to Your Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. This recipe is a starting point; feel free to experiment with different flavors to create your perfect whiskey BBQ sauce.
* **Whiskey Choice Matters:** Bourbon provides a classic, slightly sweet and oaky flavor. Rye whiskey will offer a spicier kick. Experiment to find your preference!

### 3. Onion Straws: Achieving Crispy Perfection

**Ingredients:**

* 2 Large Yellow Onions
* 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* 1/2 tsp Paprika
* 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
* Vegetable Oil (for frying)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Onions:** Peel the onions and slice them thinly into rings. Separate the rings into individual strands.
2. **Soak the Onions (Optional but Recommended):** Place the onion strands in a bowl of ice water for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove some of the harsh onion flavor and makes them crispier when fried. Drain the onions thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. **Prepare the Flour Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. **Dredge the Onions:** Place the onion strands in the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each strand is well-coated with flour.
5. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. **Fry the Onions:** Carefully add the onion strands to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion straws from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. **Season and Serve:** Season the onion straws with a pinch of salt immediately after removing them from the oil. Serve warm.

**Tips for Crispy Onion Straws:**

* **Thin Slices are Key:** Thinly sliced onions will cook more evenly and become crispier.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onion straws.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent 350°F.
* **Double Dredge (Optional):** For extra crispy onion straws, you can double dredge them by dipping them back into the flour mixture after the initial coating.
* **Use a Spider:** A spider strainer is ideal for removing onion straws from the hot oil quickly and efficiently.

### 4. Assembly: Creating the Ultimate Burger Experience

**Ingredients:**

* 4 Burger Buns (Brioche or sesame seed buns are recommended)
* 4 Cooked Beef Patties
* 1 cup Whiskey River BBQ Sauce
* 1 cup Onion Straws
* 4 slices Cheddar Cheese (optional)
* Lettuce (optional)
* Tomato slices (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Toast the Buns:** Lightly toast the burger buns on a grill or in a toaster oven. This will prevent them from becoming soggy from the sauce.
2. **Assemble the Burgers:** Spread a generous amount of Whiskey River BBQ Sauce on the bottom bun. Place a cooked beef patty on top of the sauce. If using cheddar cheese, place a slice on top of the patty while it’s still warm so that it melts slightly.
3. **Add Onion Straws:** Pile a generous amount of onion straws on top of the patty (and cheese, if using).
4. **Add Additional Toppings (Optional):** If desired, add lettuce and tomato slices on top of the onion straws.
5. **Top with the Bun:** Spread a little more Whiskey River BBQ Sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the burger.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the burgers immediately with your favorite sides, such as french fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.

**Tips for Perfect Burger Assembly:**

* **Warm the Sauce:** Warming the Whiskey River BBQ Sauce slightly before assembly will make it easier to spread and enhance the flavor.
* **Don’t Overload the Burger:** While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, overloading the burger can make it difficult to eat and detract from the overall flavor.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of your burgers.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** While this recipe focuses on recreating the classic Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger, feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as bacon, jalapenos, or avocado.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Whiskey River BBQ Sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Cheese Options:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone.
* **Bacon Bliss:** Add a few strips of crispy bacon to the burger for extra flavor and texture.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the beef patty with a plant-based burger patty. Many delicious options are available in grocery stores.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free buns and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

The Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary sides:

* **French Fries:** Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier and slightly sweeter alternative.
* **Onion Rings:** For those who can’t get enough fried onions!
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich burger.
* **Salad:** A lighter option for those looking for a healthier meal.

## Conclusion

With this detailed recipe, you can now recreate the iconic Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors of this classic burger, complete with crispy onion straws and a juicy patty. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a burger that’s even better than the original! Bon appétit!