Homemade Impossible Burger with Spicy Special Sauce
Homemade Impossible Burger with Spicy Special Sauce is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Los Angeles Times on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $11.65 total, $2.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Impossible™ burger patties (about 4 oz each, frozen)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (high‑smoke‑point oil (canola, canola, or grapeseed))
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (generous pinch per patty)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 pieces Burger buns (brioche or sesame) (soft, can be toasted)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (for special sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup (for special sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Sweet pickle relish (for special sauce)
- a pinch Cayenne pepper (adds heat to sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard (for top of burger)
- 4-6 slices Pickles (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Red onion (thin rings)
- 1 medium Tomato (sliced)
- 4 pieces Lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
Instructions
Make the special sauce
In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the toppings
Thinly slice the pickles, red onion, tomato and separate lettuce leaves. Set aside in a tidy pile for quick assembly.
Time: PT5M
Shape the patties
If the patties are frozen, let them sit at room temperature for 5‑7 minutes until pliable. Press each patty to about ¼‑⅓ inch thick, squeezing the sides to keep a round shape.
Time: PT5M
Heat the skillet
Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and let it get hot (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high (≈375°F)
Season the patties
Just before they hit the pan, sprinkle each patty with a generous pinch of kosher salt and a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT1M
Sear the first side
Add 1 tbsp of oil to the hot skillet, swirl to coat, then lay the patties in a single layer. Cook without moving for 3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high (≈375°F)
Flip and finish cooking
Flip each patty and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, or until the interior is hot and the surface is nicely browned.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high (≈375°F)
Toast the buns
Push the cooked patties to one side of the pan, add the bun halves cut side down and toast for about 1‑2 minutes until golden and crisp.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high (≈375°F)
Assemble the burgers
Spread a spoonful of the special sauce on the bottom bun, place the hot patty, add mustard on the top bun, then layer pickles, onion, tomato and lettuce. Cap with the top bun.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, plant‑based protein, high‑protein, contains dairy‑free mayo, not vegan (egg mayo)
Allergens: soy (patty), gluten (bun), egg (mayonnaise), mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Impossible™ burger patties: Beyond Meat burger patties
- Instead of Vegetable oil: avocado oil, sunflower oil
- Instead of Burger buns (brioche or sesame): gluten‑free buns
- Instead of Mayonnaise: vegan mayo
- Instead of Cayenne pepper: hot sauce
- Instead of Yellow mustard: Dijon mustard
- Instead of Pickles: gherkin slices
- Instead of Red onion: white onion
- Instead of Tomato: heirloom tomato
- Instead of Lettuce leaves: spinach
Equipment Needed
- Cast‑iron or non‑stick skillet
- Spatula or flat metal turner
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Plate for assembly
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the patty right before it hits the pan to avoid steaming the “bleed”
- Sear the patty without moving for a full 3 minutes to develop a crust
- Toast the bun halves cut side down until golden, not burnt
Chef Tips from the Video
- Press the patty gently with your hands, not a press, to keep the texture airy
- Use a high smoke‑point oil (canola or avocado) for the best crust
- A tiny splash of water in the pan after flipping helps deglaze and adds a bit of steam for a juicier interior
Troubleshooting
Patty sticks to the pan
Make sure the skillet is fully pre‑heated and the oil is shimmering before adding the patty; let it sear undisturbed until it releases.
Patty ends up steamed, not seared
Do not salt the patty too early; season right before it hits the pan and avoid adding extra water.
Bun becomes soggy
Toast the bun cut side down in the hot pan just before assembly; keep sauces on the bottom bun only.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cooked patties keep 3 days in an airtight container; special sauce 5 days; sliced veggies 2‑3 days
Freezer: Uncooked frozen Impossible patties can be stored up to 6 months; cooked patties freeze well for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Assembled burgers should be eaten immediately; do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the special sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Slice all vegetables and store in a sealed container
- If using frozen patties, move them from freezer to fridge the night before for a gentle thaw
Last updated: August 21, 2026






