Gluten Free Cheddar Paneer Burger
Burgers are one of those meals that can feel off-limits when you're navigating a wheat-free lifestyle, mostly because the bun situation is so hit-or-miss. This one solves that problem head-on by building around gluten free buns that get buttered and toasted in the skillet until they're genuinely golden — not just warmed through. The real showstopper, though, is the double-layer situation happening on top of each patty: a melted slice of cheddar acts as the glue between a juicy, smoked-paprika-seasoned beef patty and a slab of golden-seared paneer. That paneer gets dried, seasoned, and cooked in the same cast iron pan until each side is properly crisped, adding a firm, savory bite that's completely unlike anything you'd get from a standard burger stack. Butter lettuce, fresh tomato, and a generous swipe of mayo round everything out with cool, creamy contrast. The whole build comes together in one skillet, which keeps things simple and means every component picks up a little of that same savory fond. Serves four, and it's the kind of dinner that makes people forget they're eating anything other than an exceptional burger.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the patties
- 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the paneer
- 8 oz paneer, cut into 4 slabs (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 gluten free burger buns, split
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 4 rounds
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a large bowl and mix gently until the spices are evenly distributed. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a shallow dimple into the center of each with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.
- 2
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes. Cook the patties undisturbed for 4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the underside and the patties release easily from the pan. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C). Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
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