IN-N-OUT BURGER: DOUBLE-DOUBLE WITH ONION
SAVE: 282 CALORIES, 26 G FAT, 13 G SAT. FAT
Though In-N-Out is found only in California, Nevada, and Arizona, it has a huge presence. Known for its fresh ingredients with no preservatives, it’s a bit of a secret society . . . when I made it up to In-N-Out’s drive-thru window, it appeared that they serve only a few menu items. Later, I learned that they serve many more options. You just have to know to ask.
The oddest thing, though, was that when I arrived at In-N-Out for the first time, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The line was so long, you’d think they were giving the burgers away. It took me 43 minutes to get my burger in hand. Forty-three minutes for fast food . . . not including driving time. Based on the quality and taste, I can see why In-N-Out is all the rage in California, but I grocery shopped for and cooked my version of the burger in less time. Mine also happened to have the fresh ingredients but 26 fewer grams of fat.
4 ounces 96% lean ground beef (about ½ cup)
Pinch of salt
1 hamburger bun
1 tablespoon In-N-Out Secret Sauce
1 slice tomato (¼" thick)
¼ cup coarsely chopped iceberg lettuce
2 slices (½ ounce each) 2% milk yellow American cheese, divided
1 slice onion (¼" thick)
DIVIDE the beef in half. On a sheet of waxed paper, shape each half into a 4" patty. Season both sides lightly with salt.
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until drops of water sizzle when splashed on the pan. Place the patties in the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the patties are browned but still slightly pink inside. Meanwhile, place the bun top and bottom, cut-sides down, in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until toasted.
Place the bun bottom, toasted side up, on a plate. Top with the sauce, tomato, and lettuce. Place 1 burger over the lettuce. Top with 1 slice of cheese and the onion. Place the remaining burger over the onion. Top with the remaining slice of cheese and the bun top.
388 calories, 33 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 15 g fat, 5 g sat. fat, 2 g fiber
Original In-N-Out Burger Double-Double with Onion: 670 calories, 37 g protein, 39 g carbohydrates, 41 g fat, 18 g sat. fat, 3 g fiber
DRIVE-THRU If you’re a follower of the Double-Double, mix up a big batch of the sauce and store it in your refrigerator so it’s ready to go on demand. That’s the only part of this burger that really takes any time.