Pastrami Burger
A Salt Lake City original from Crown Burgers. This glorious creation tops a juicy beef patty with piles of thinly sliced pastrami, creating an irresistible meat-on-meat experience that Utahns can't live without.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Make the special sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and mustard in a small bowl. Refrigerate while preparing other components.
Form the patties: Divide ground beef into 4 portions (about 6 oz each). Shape into patties slightly larger than your buns. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make a thumbprint indent in the center.
Heat cooking surface: Heat a griddle or grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a good sear.
Cook the patties: Cook burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness. Add cheese during the last minute and cover to melt.
Warm the pastrami: While burgers cook, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pastrami slices and warm through, about 2-3 minutes. The pastrami should be hot but not crispy.
Toast the buns: Toast the bun halves cut-side down on the griddle until golden brown, about 1 minute.
Rest the burgers: Let the patties rest for 2 minutes off heat while you prep the assembly station.
Sauce the buns: Spread special sauce generously on both the top and bottom bun halves.
Build the burger: On the bottom bun, layer lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Add the cheesy patty. Pile a generous mound of warm pastrami on top of the patty. Add onion slices. Crown with the top bun.
Serve: Serve immediately with a side of fries and fry sauce (the unofficial condiment of Utah - mix mayo and ketchup!). This is a two-hands-required burger!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Crown Burgers history: This Greek-American creation was invented by Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City and has become a Utah obsession.
- Generous pastrami: Don't skimp on the pastrami - it should be a substantial pile, not just a garnish.
- Fry sauce is essential: Utah's signature fry sauce (mayo + ketchup) is the traditional accompaniment. Some add a dash of pickle juice.
- Double down: Order it "Crown Style" for extra pastrami - because more is more.
- Greek salad pairing: Crown Burgers' Greek heritage means they serve fantastic Greek salads as a side.
- Quality pastrami: Use good deli pastrami, freshly sliced. Pre-packaged won't give you the same experience.