Copycat Burger King Brisket Whopper Recipe

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This Burger King Brisket Whopper is a limited-time sensation that has left many of us craving more, with its delectable combination of flame-grilled beef, slow-cooked brisket, and savory BBQ sauce.

How to make Burger King Brisket Whopper

The Burger King Brisket Whopper is a limited-edition Whopper that combines the chain’s flame-grilled beef patty with slow-cooked BBQ brisket, topped with American cheese, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a sweet golden BBQ sauce, all served on a toasted sesame seed bun.

Ingredients

Burger Components

• 1 Sesame Seed Hamburger Bun (toast it lightly to replicate that Burger King texture)
• 1/4 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy patties)
• 3 oz Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket (smoked or slow-cooked for optimal flavor)
• 1 slice American Cheese
• 1 piece of Leaf Lettuce
• 1-2 slices of Tomato

Crunchy Onion Topping

• 1 small Onion
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or Milk)
• Vegetable Oil for Frying

BBQ Sauce

• 3 tbsp Sweet BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 pinch Smoked Paprika (to enhance that smoky flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brisket

1. If you already have cooked brisket, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the oven, wrapped in foil to retain its moisture. For an extra flavor boost, brush with leftover BBQ sauce while reheating.
2. If you’re cooking brisket from scratch, use a slow cooker or smoker with salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar rub. Slow-cook for 6-8 hours at a low temperature (225°F).

2. Make the Beef Patty

1. Season the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Form it into a flat, round patty slightly larger than the bun (it will shrink slightly as it cooks).
2. Cook the patty over high heat on a grill pan or barbecue for that signature flame-grilled flavor. Cook each side for 3 – 4 minutes for medium doneness.
3. During the last minute on the grill, place a slice of American cheese on top of the patty to melt slightly.

3. Fry Crispy Onions

1. Slice the onion into thin rings or strips. Soak them in the buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
3. Dredge the onion slices in the dry mixture, coating them evenly.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet (about 1 inch deep) and fry the onions until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel.

4. Toast the Bun

1. Lightly toast the sesame seed bun on a hot skillet or griddle until the edges are golden and crisp. This helps prevent the bun from getting soggy.

5. Assemble the Burger

1. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
2. Start with the bottom bun and layer as follows: lettuce, tomato slices, flame-grilled beef patty with melted cheese, brisket slices, and crispy onions.
3. Place the top bun gently over the towering goodness.

Tips for the Perfect Burger King Brisket Whopper

• Quality Brisket is Key: If smoking brisket at home isn’t an option, grab already-cooked brisket from a local BBQ spot to save time. Just make sure it’s tender and flavorful.
• Flame-Grill for Authenticity: For that Burger King touch, flame-grill your patty instead of pan-searing. A charcoal grill adds even more depth of flavor.
• Balance the BBQ Sauce: The Burger King Whopper is known for its sweet yet tangy BBQ sauce. Add honey to your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or experiment with a homemade blend to tweak it to your liking.
• Stack Neatly: While the Whopper is known for being loaded, stacking the ingredients neatly ensures it’s easier to eat—and tastes like a work of art.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you may not have all the exact ingredients on hand for the Burger King Brisket Whopper. Don’t worry—there are plenty of substitutions available to tweak the recipe while still capturing the flavors and textures of the original burger.

Substitutes for Sesame Seed Bun

The Sesame Seed bun is the base of the Burger King Brisket Whopper, but here are some alternatives:

• Brioche Bun: An excellent substitute for a rich, buttery flavor. Its soft texture balances the heavier toppings.
• Whole Wheat Bun: For a healthier option, whole wheat adds nuttiness and more fiber.
• Pretzel Bun: Perfect for a more gourmet twist, the chewy texture of pretzel buns pairs well with smoky brisket.
• Gluten-Free Bun: If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for a store-bought or homemade gluten-free bun.
• Lettuce Wraps: If you’re avoiding bread altogether, large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves make a light, crunchy alternative.

Substitutes for Ground Beef Patty

The flame-grilled beef patty is the main protein, but here are options in case you need something different:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner protein option. Lightly season with paprika, garlic, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
• Plant-Based Burgers: Use alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a vegetarian or vegan twist. Grill these patties just as you would regular beef.
• Portobello Mushrooms: For a meaty, vegetarian option, grill a large Portobello mushroom cap and use it as the patty.
• Ground Lamb: For a richer, gamey flavor, lamb patties seasoned with rosemary can bring a unique twist to the recipe.

Substitutes for Brisket

Brisket adds a tender, smoky element, but it can be substituted without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken: These meats have a similar texture and take on BBQ sauce beautifully, offering a slightly different flavor vibe.
• Roast Beef: Thinly shaved roast beef can replicate the tender texture of the original. Warm it with a bit of BBQ sauce to mimic the brisket’s smoky glaze.
• Beef Short Ribs or Chuck Steak: If you’re making a homemade slow-cooked substitute, these cuts do well when slow cooked or smoked.
• Seitan or Jackfruit: Both are excellent vegan substitutes: Jackfruit mimics shredded textures, while seitan offers a hearty bite.

Substitutes for American Cheese

American cheese melts beautifully, but you can use these alternatives for variety or preferences:

• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharper taste and still melts nicely on the patty.
• Swiss Cheese: Great for a nutty and creamy flavor profile that complements smoky brisket.
• Provolone Cheese: Works well for a mild, smooth, and slightly tangy twist.
• Vegan Cheese: Brands like Violife or Daiya offer plant-based cheese slices if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option.

Substitutes for BBQ Sauce

The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce ties the entire burger together, but there’s room to experiment:

• Homemade BBQ Sauce: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for a custom blend.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.
• Honey Mustard: For a tangy and subtly sweet alternative to BBQ sauce.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: If you want to go spicy, this condiment adds heat and a bold flavor.

Substitutes for Crispy Onions

Crispy onions bring crunch and texture to the burger—here are alternatives:

• French Fried Onions: The store-bought version is a quicker solution for those crispy onion cravings.
• Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter, more tender onion topping, caramelize them in butter and a dash of brown sugar.
• Sautéed Bell Peppers: A softer, sweeter substitute for onions without the crunch.
• Pickled Onions: Adds tanginess and crunch without the frying.

Substitutes for Leaf Lettuce

Leaf lettuce provides freshness and crunch, but there are plenty of replacements:

• Romaine Lettuce: A perfect substitute for its crisp and sturdy structure.
• Spinach Leaves: Offers a slightly bitter but nutrient-packed alternative.
• Arugula: For a peppery flavor without compromising the leafy texture.
• Cabbage: Thinly shredded cabbage can deliver crunch and freshness.

Substitutes for Tomato Slices

Tomatoes add juiciness, but here are alternatives:

• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and slightly smokier than fresh tomatoes.
• Thinly Sliced Cucumbers: Offers a crunch and freshness similar to that of tomatoes.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado elevates the richness of the burger.

Final Thoughts

This Burger King Brisket Whopper recipe is perfect for backyard barbecue nights, game day treats, or when your cravings for smoky BBQ burgers strike. By preparing each component from scratch, you’ll appreciate the layers of flavor that work together harmoniously in every bite.