The menu is no longer a secret, as In-N-Out fans know all about the chain's secret menu items, from grilled cheese to protein-style (lettuce instead of bread) orders. And one of his special menu items that is currently trending on TikTok is the Flying Dutchman. After watching countless videos of people making burgers, I had to try it as soon as possible. But since I was miles away from the nearest In-N-Out, I took matters into my own hands and recreated this onion-filled sensation. This is what I thought.
For those unfamiliar, the Flying Dutchman consists of a burger with grilled onions instead of a bun. The burger is also topped with American cheese and a sauce (like the one on this burger) made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. The American cheese adds that gooey luxury that I personally need in a burger, but the real star is the onion. The grilled onions add aroma and a touch of sweetness that round out the overall flavor of the dish. For onion lovers like me, this secret menu is a dream come true.
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While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, I ventured into my home kitchen for the chance to recreate it. For my burger mix, I used 93% lean ground beef seasoned with Cookie BBQ Flavor Enhancer Rub, a blend featuring salt, pepper, garlic, chili powder, and red pepper. While the patties were cooking in one skillet, I sautéed white onion slices in a butter and olive oil mixture in another skillet. In-N-Out uses white onions, but I think red or yellow onions would also be delicious.
Once the meat is cooked perfectly medium-rare and the onions are golden brown, all you need to do is layer the ingredients neatly and top with American cheese. The sauce was made by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish (spicy mayonnaise is also delicious!). After stacking it up, it was ready to eat. As soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. From the seasoned lean beef to the creamy sauce, you can see why it's so popular.
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If you want to recreate this burger, make sure to cut the onions to the right thickness. This is the key to making sturdy burgers that won't fall apart. I found the 0.5 inch to be the perfect balance of flavor and structure. Overall, I would definitely make this burger again. Try it yourself. If you do, this burger might just earn you the title of your new favorite.
