Shake Shack Tests New Menu Items: Hot Chicken and Korean BBQ Burgers – Recipe Ideas & DIY!
Shake Shack, the beloved burger chain known for its classic American fare, is currently sending ripples of excitement (and hunger) through the foodie community. They’re testing two tantalizing new menu items in select locations: a fiery Hot Chicken burger and a savory Korean BBQ burger. While these delicious creations might not be available everywhere just yet, the buzz surrounding them has inspired many to try recreating these flavors at home. This article dives into the details of Shake Shack’s new offerings, providing insights into their key ingredients and offering DIY recipe adaptations to satisfy your cravings until they hit your local Shack.
The Shake Shack Hype: Hot Chicken and Korean BBQ
Shake Shack’s commitment to quality ingredients and simple, yet delicious, recipes has cultivated a devoted following. The current test menu items represent an exciting departure from their traditional offerings, venturing into bolder and more globally-inspired flavor profiles. The Hot Chicken burger promises a spicy kick, while the Korean BBQ burger aims for a sweet and savory umami explosion. Let’s break down what we know about each burger and then get into some recipe ideas.
The Hot Chicken Burger: A Fiery Delight
Based on early reviews and descriptions, Shake Shack’s Hot Chicken burger appears to feature:
* **Crispy Chicken:** A breaded and fried chicken breast, likely seasoned for extra flavor.
* **Nashville Hot Sauce:** The star of the show, a spicy sauce typically made with cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and other spices.
* **Pickles:** Crinkle-cut pickles provide a tangy counterpoint to the heat.
* **Coleslaw (possibly):** Some reports suggest a cooling coleslaw is included to balance the spice.
* **Potato Bun:** Shake Shack’s signature soft and squishy potato bun.
The Korean BBQ Burger: Umami Overload
The Korean BBQ burger seems to be built around the following:
* **Angus Beef Patty:** Shake Shack’s classic juicy beef patty.
* **Korean BBQ Sauce:** A sweet and savory sauce typically made with soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar.
* **Kimchi Slaw:** Fermented cabbage with a spicy and tangy kick.
* **Sesame Seed Bun:** A bun topped with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
DIY Recipe Adaptations: Bring Shake Shack Home
While we wait for Shake Shack to potentially roll out these new items nationwide, here’s how you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen. These recipes are inspired by the descriptions of the test items and offer a starting point for your culinary adventures.
Hot Chicken Burger Recipe:
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Nashville Hot Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup rendered chicken fat (or vegetable oil)
* 2 tablespoons paprika
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
* **For the Coleslaw (Optional):**
* 2 cups shredded cabbage
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Assembly:**
* 4 potato buns
* Dill pickle slices
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. **Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:** In a small saucepan, heat chicken fat (or vegetable oil) over medium heat. Whisk in paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining hot sauce. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Coleslaw (Optional):** In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. **Bread the Chicken:** In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Shake off excess flour.
5. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
6. **Assemble the Burgers:** Lightly toast the potato buns. Dip each fried chicken breast in the Nashville Hot Sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Place a sauced chicken breast on the bottom bun. Top with dill pickle slices and coleslaw (if using). Add the top bun and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in both the breading and the hot sauce to control the heat level.
* **Chicken Thighs:** For a juicier burger, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
* **Air Fryer:** For a healthier option, air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
* **Brioche Buns:** If you can’t find potato buns, brioche buns are a good substitute.
Korean BBQ Burger Recipe:
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Korean BBQ Sauce:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Kimchi Slaw:**
* 1 cup kimchi, chopped
* 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar
* **For the Burgers:**
* 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 sesame seed buns
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Korean BBQ Sauce:** In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Kimchi Slaw:** In a medium bowl, combine chopped kimchi, shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
3. **Prepare the Burger Patties:** Gently combine ground beef, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging during cooking.
4. **Cook the Burgers:** Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, brush the patties with the Korean BBQ sauce.
5. **Assemble the Burgers:** Lightly toast the sesame seed buns. Place a sauced burger patty on the bottom bun. Top with kimchi slaw. Add the top bun and sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Gochujang:** Gochujang can be found in most Asian grocery stores. It adds a complex, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
* **Kimchi:** Adjust the amount of kimchi in the slaw to your preference. Some kimchi is spicier than others.
* **Toppings:** Consider adding other Korean-inspired toppings like pickled daikon radish, shredded carrots, or a fried egg.
* **Burger Blend:** Experiment with different ground beef blends to find your favorite. An 80/20 blend will result in a juicier burger.
More Shake Shack Inspired Creations
Beyond these specific recipes, you can use these flavor profiles as inspiration for other dishes. Consider a Hot Chicken sandwich with a different type of bun, or a Korean BBQ marinade for grilled chicken or steak.
* **Hot Chicken Tenders:** Coat chicken tenders in the same breading and sauce used for the Hot Chicken burger.
* **Korean BBQ Tacos:** Use the Korean BBQ sauce to marinate beef and serve in tacos with kimchi slaw and other toppings.
* **Spicy Shack Stack:** Recreate the Shack Stack with a Nashville Hot Chicken patty replacing the ‘Shroom Burger.
The Future of Shake Shack’s Menu
Whether or not these test items become permanent fixtures on the Shake Shack menu remains to be seen. However, their introduction signals a willingness to experiment with new flavors and cater to a broader range of palates. In the meantime, these DIY recipes provide a delicious way to experience the excitement and enjoy these inspired creations in the comfort of your own home.
Keep an eye on Shake Shack’s social media and local restaurant announcements to see if the Hot Chicken and Korean BBQ burgers are coming to a location near you. Until then, happy cooking!
Troubleshooting Tips for Your DIY Shake Shack Burgers
Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go awry in the kitchen. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you perfect your homemade Shake Shack-inspired burgers:
* **Chicken is Dry:** Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C). Brining the chicken in a salt water solution for 30 minutes before marinating in buttermilk can also help retain moisture.
* **Hot Sauce Isn’t Hot Enough:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville Hot Sauce. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Remember that the heat will intensify as the sauce sits.
* **Burger Patty is Too Dry:** Use a higher fat content ground beef (80/20). Avoid overworking the meat when forming the patties, as this can make them tough. Don’t press down on the patties while cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices.
* **BBQ Sauce is Too Sweet:** Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the Korean BBQ sauce. Add a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the sweetness.
* **Kimchi Slaw is Too Spicy:** Use a milder kimchi or reduce the amount of kimchi in the slaw. Add more shredded cabbage and mayonnaise to dilute the spice.
* **Buns are Soggy:** Toast the buns before assembling the burgers to prevent them from soaking up the sauces. Make sure to drain excess oil from the fried chicken.
* **Chicken Coating Isn’t Crispy:** Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature. Use a combination of flour and cornstarch in the breading for extra crispiness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
To complete your Shake Shack experience at home, consider these serving suggestions and pairings:
* **Sides:** French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, mac and cheese.
* **Drinks:** Milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry), lemonade, iced tea, craft beer.
* **Desserts:** Frozen custard, cookies, brownies.
* **Presentation:** Serve the burgers on a tray with parchment paper for a more authentic Shake Shack feel.
## Exploring Global Burger Variations
Shake Shack’s experimentation with Korean BBQ flavors opens the door to exploring other global burger variations. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
* **Japanese Teriyaki Burger:** A beef patty glazed with teriyaki sauce, topped with pickled ginger and seaweed salad.
* **Mexican Elote Burger:** A beef patty topped with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime mayo.
* **Indian Butter Chicken Burger:** A chicken patty smothered in butter chicken sauce, topped with cilantro and naan bread.
* **Italian Pesto Burger:** A beef patty topped with pesto, mozzarella cheese, and roasted tomatoes.
* **Greek Gyro Burger:** A lamb and beef patty topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumber.
By experimenting with different flavors and toppings, you can create your own unique and delicious burger creations. The possibilities are endless!
## Healthier Alternatives and Modifications
If you’re looking to make these burgers a bit healthier, here are some alternatives and modifications:
* **Leaner Ground Beef:** Use a leaner ground beef blend (90/10) to reduce the fat content.
* **Whole Wheat Buns:** Substitute white buns with whole wheat buns for added fiber.
* **Air Fry the Chicken:** Air frying the chicken instead of deep frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used.
* **Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise:** Use reduced-fat mayonnaise in the coleslaw and kimchi slaw.
* **Sweetener Alternatives:** Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in the sauces instead of refined sugar.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate more vegetables into the burgers, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado.
* **Smaller Portions:** Reduce the portion sizes to control calorie intake.
By making these simple modifications, you can enjoy these flavorful burgers without compromising your health goals.
## Share Your Creations!
We encourage you to try these DIY recipes and share your creations with us! Tag us on social media and let us know what you think. We’d love to see your variations and hear your feedback.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade Shake Shack-inspired burgers!