Protein/Paleo Burger

This is a burger that ditches the bun without feeling like a sacrifice. The patty itself is packed with flavor, ground beef mixed with pulsed scallion, garlic, and fiery serrano, plus sauteed onion and an egg to bind it, so it’s seasoned all the way through, not just on top.

Then it gets stacked, paleo-style, on a leaf of crisp lettuce instead of bread. A fried egg, grilled portobello, sliced tomato, and creamy avocado pile on, and the whole thing gets a drizzle of bright, garlicky chimichurri to tie it together.

It’s hearty, high-protein, and grain-free, with enough going on that you won’t miss the bun.

Pro Tips

• Saute and cool the onion before mixing it in; raw onion can make the patties watery.
• Don’t overwork the meat, or the patties turn dense and tough.
• Cook the eggs in the patty drippings for an extra hit of beefy flavor.

Variations

• Swap the serrano for jalapeno for milder heat, or leave it out.
• Use a grilled portobello cap as the ‘bun’ in place of lettuce.
• Top with bacon or a paleo-friendly cheese if your plan allows.