Pastrami Burgers with Killer Burger Sauce

These aren’t just burgers – they’re the kind of towering, drool-worthy masterpieces that make people stop mid-conversation and ask “Where did you GET that?”

The secret weapon here is that killer burger sauce, a tangy-sweet concoction that transforms ordinary ingredients into something that tastes like it came from your favorite gourmet burger joint.

But let’s talk about those grilled onions for a hot minute – they’re caramelized with soy sauce and A1, creating this umami-packed flavor bomb that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for raw onion rings.

The pastrami adds that deli-style richness and smoky spice that elevates these burgers from backyard barbecue to “holy cow, you made this at home?”

Everything comes together in perfect harmony: the juicy patties, melted provolone, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and that sauce that ties it all together like a delicious bow.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you the designated burger person at every gathering, and honestly, that’s not a bad reputation to have.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Onions

• 3 medium yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon A1 sauce
• Dash garlic salt

For the Killer Burger Sauce

• 3 /4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 4 tablespoons sweet relish
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burgers

• 8 hamburger patties (frozen patties work great)
• Worcestershire sauce (if using frozen patties)
• 8 hamburger buns
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• Fresh lettuce leaves
• 2-3 large tomatoes, sliced
• Deli pastrami slices

Instructions

Prepare the Grilled Onions

1. 1 Slice the onions into rings using a sharp knife and cutting board. Aim for 1/4-inch thick rings for the perfect balance of texture and cooking time.
2. 2 Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing them to get nice and hot for about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent the butter from browning and burning – you want it melted and incorporated with the oil, creating a golden, fragrant base.
3. 3 Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally with tongs, until they become translucent and start to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. The onions should soften and develop a beautiful golden color.
4. 4 Add the soy sauce, A1 sauce, and garlic salt to the onions. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside in a warm place.

Make the Killer Burger Sauce

1. 5 In a medium mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, ketchup, and sweet relish. Whisk together until completely smooth and well incorporated.
2. 6 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Cover with aluminum foil or transfer to a storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve – this allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

Grill the Burgers

1. 7 Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). If using frozen patties, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes while the grill heats.
2. 8 If using frozen patties, sprinkle both sides generously with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper before grilling. This adds extra flavor and helps create a beautiful crust.
3. 9 Grill the burger patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing down (this keeps the juices in). Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Assemble for Service

1. 10 During the last minute of cooking, place provolone cheese slices on top of each patty to melt. Toast the hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly golden.
2. 11 Arrange all burger components on the counter in an assembly-line fashion: toasted buns, grilled patties with melted cheese, grilled onions, burger sauce, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pastrami. This creates a fun, interactive dining experience where everyone can build their perfect burger.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• Large cast iron skillet or deep non-stick pan for the onions – cast iron provides superior heat retention and creates better caramelization
• Sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for slicing onions evenly and safely
• Instant-read thermometer to ensure burgers reach the perfect internal temperature without overcooking
• Long-handled tongs for flipping burgers and stirring onions without getting too close to the heat

Helpful Upgrades

• Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements if you’re scaling the recipe up or down for larger gatherings
• Grill brush to clean grates thoroughly, ensuring beautiful grill marks and preventing sticking
• Aluminum foil for keeping components warm and creating easy cleanup stations

Nice-to-Have Options

• Silicone spatula for mixing the burger sauce smoothly and scraping every bit from the bowl
• Multiple mixing bowls for organizing all your components efficiently during assembly
• Parchment paper for easy cleanup and organizing ingredients before cooking begins

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Substitute regular hamburger buns with gluten-free buns or large lettuce wraps
• Verify that your A1 sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free certified
• Consider using gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce for the onions
• All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Replace butter with additional olive oil (use 2 tablespoons total) for cooking onions
• Swap provolone cheese for dairy-free cheese slices or simply omit for a lighter option
• Use vegan mayonnaise in the burger sauce – brands like Just Mayo work excellently

Lower-Carb Version

• Serve on large lettuce cups or portobello mushroom caps instead of buns
• The grilled onions and sauce remain perfect as-is for low-carb diets
• Consider adding sliced avocado for healthy fats and extra richness

Flavor Variations

• Spicy version: Add 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the burger sauce
• Smoky twist: Include 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika in the onion mixture
• Herb enhancement: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives into the sauce
• Different cheeses: Try aged cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack instead of provolone

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each burger provides approximately 650-750 calories depending on patty size and assembly choices. The combination of protein from the beef patties and pastrami, along with healthy fats from olive oil and moderate carbohydrates from the bun, creates a satisfying, balanced meal. The grilled onions contribute valuable fiber and antioxidants while adding minimal calories.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The yellow onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that supports heart health. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, contributing to cardiovascular wellness. The tomatoes deliver lycopene, an antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when combined with fats like those in the mayonnaise-based sauce. Lean ground beef supplies complete protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins essential for energy metabolism and immune function.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten (buns), dairy (cheese, butter), and eggs (mayonnaise). The sodium content is moderate to high due to the pastrami and condiments, making portion control important for those monitoring sodium intake. Each burger provides approximately 35-40 grams of protein, making it an excellent post-workout meal option.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Ground turkey or chicken patties → Replace beef patties for a leaner option (reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes)
• Greek yogurt → Substitute half the mayonnaise for a lighter sauce with added protein
• Red onions → Use instead of yellow onions for a sharper, more colorful result
• Dijon mustard → Add 1 tablespoon to the sauce instead of extra ketchup for tanginess

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Generic barbecue sauce → Works just as well as name-brand Sweet Baby Ray’s
• Dill pickle relish → Use instead of sweet relish if that’s what you have on hand
• American or cheddar cheese → More affordable alternatives to provolone that melt beautifully
• Regular hamburger buns → Skip artisanal buns for standard grocery store options

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Vegetable oil → Replace olive oil if needed (same measurements)
• Onion powder → Use 1 teaspoon if fresh onions aren’t available (skip the grilling step)
• Steak sauce → Any brand works in place of A1 sauce
• Mayonnaise-based coleslaw dressing → Can substitute for plain mayonnaise in the sauce

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• Store leftover burger sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week – it’s fantastic on sandwiches and wraps
• When using leaner meats, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and add moisture

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace hamburger buns with large lettuce wraps or grilled portobello mushroom caps to reduce carbs by approximately 25-30 grams per serving
• Use sugar-free barbecue sauce in the burger sauce to eliminate added sugars
• Reduce sweet relish to 2 tablespoons total or substitute with dill relish for lower sugar content

Portion & Timing Tips:

• Stick to one burger per serving and pair with a large side salad to increase fiber and nutrients
• Estimated carbs per modified burger: 8-12 grams (without bun), 35-40 grams (with bun)
• Eat with protein and fat from the burger to help stabilize blood sugar response
• Time consumption around physical activity when possible for better glucose management

Smart Modifications:

• Add extra vegetables like grilled bell peppers or cucumber slices for volume without significant carbs
• Use full-fat mayonnaise rather than reduced-fat versions, which often contain added sugars
• Include avocado slices for healthy fats that help slow carbohydrate absorption

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbs by 60-70% compared to traditional preparation while maintaining all the flavor impact.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

These robust, savory burgers pair beautifully with cold beer – try a crisp lager or hoppy IPA to cut through the richness. For wine lovers, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the smoky pastrami and grilled onions perfectly. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lime, iced tea, or classic cola for that authentic diner experience.

Side Dish Recommendations

Crispy sweet potato fries provide a perfect textural contrast and slight sweetness that balances the savory burger components. Classic coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the rich sauce. Grilled corn on the cob or roasted vegetables keep the outdoor cooking theme going strong. Pickle spears and kettle-cooked potato chips round out the perfect casual dining experience.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with loaded nachos or buffalo chicken dip for appetizers that match the hearty, indulgent vibe. For dessert, keep it simple with grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream or classic chocolate chip cookies. This menu works perfectly for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual weekend dinners with friends and family.

Occasion Suggestions

These burgers shine at summer cookouts, tailgate parties, and casual entertaining where impressive food meets relaxed vibes. They’re perfect for Father’s Day celebrations, graduation parties, or any time you want to serve restaurant-quality food at home without the fuss.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Don’t press down on burger patties while cooking – this squeezes out precious juices and creates dry burgers. Let the cheese melt naturally by covering patties with a lid or aluminum foil during the last minute of cooking. Toast the buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds to prevent soggy bottoms and add textural contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the onions turns them mushy instead of tender with a slight bite – they should be translucent but not falling apart. Making the sauce too far ahead can cause separation; it’s best made 2-4 hours before serving for optimal consistency. Skipping the resting time for frozen patties can result in uneven cooking.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Grilled onions can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently in the microwave or skillet. Burger sauce keeps for up to 1 week refrigerated and actually improves in flavor. Cooked patties can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months – perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Scaling Tips

This recipe doubles or triples easily for large gatherings. When cooking for crowds, keep components warm in slow cookers or warming trays, and set up an assembly station so guests can build their own perfect burger combinations.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or hosting the neighborhood barbecue of the year, these pastrami burgers deliver that perfect combination of comfort food satisfaction and gourmet flair that makes everyone feel like they’re getting something truly special.