You may have seen my post on the Facebook page yesterday asking if anyone eats McDonald’s. I was really surprised by the response. It wasn’t that I was surprised that so many people still eat McDonald’s, but that so many people were open about it. I started the post saying that there would be no judgement, from me or anyone else and I think that is really important in every aspect of life. Whilst eating McDonald’s is something I would never do now, simply for the fact that if I was going to have a burger, I would make one myself and if I am out and need something to eat quickly, there are much tastier and healthier options available. But that is just my choice and opinion, that same way lots of others choose to eat McDonald’s. Nobody is perfect and everyone has their “thing”. A McDonald’s once in a while is not going to ruin anything, if that is what you want to eat.
However, saying that, I know a lot of people have a serious McDonald’s addiction and they are hitting the drive-thru every day. I love burgers, they are so versatile with all the different meats you can use and the various ways you can flavour them and then there is so much choice of topping. People automatically think that burgers are going to be unhealthy, but if you use a lean mince, whole wheat burger bun and don’t go overboard with the toppings, then it can be a healthy choice for a meal.
That leads us on to the Big Mac. One of the most popular items on the McDonald’s menu can be made healthier and in my opinion tastier. I know a lot of people might not agree with that, because they enjoy the taste of all the additives in the Big Mac – that is what makes them so addictive and that is not a good thing. This healthier Big Mac is additive free and the sauce is so good and you would never know that it is not full of mayo.
Ingredients – Serves 2:
- 250g ground lean turkey breast mince (use beef for an authentic burger or turkey if you want it leaner. Calories are based on turkey mince)
- Half an onion, finely diced
- 1 small red chilli, finely diced
- 2 whole wheat burger buns
- 2 handfuls of shredded lettuce
- 20g sliced cheese
- 2 pickles/gherkins
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp Ketchup (I used homemade, but try to use a low salt and sugar one)
- Quarter of a red pepper, very finely chopped
- 2 pickles/gherkins, very finely chopped
- Half a teaspoon of cayenne
- Juice of quarter of a lemon
1) Put the beef, diced onion, chilli and some salt and pepper in a bowl, mix together and then form into 2 burger patties and chill in the fridge.
2) Mix together all of the sauce ingredients and put in the fridge to chill.
3) Grill the burgers (I used a George Foreman) for 10 minutes – put the cheese on top to melt a couple of minutes before they are cooked.
4) Create your healthier Big Mac by cutting open your burger buns (toast them first), spread some sauce on the bottom slice of the bun, top with a burger, add a little more sauce, some lettuce, a pickle/gherkin and top with the top of the burger bun.
5) Serve with some homemade fries, which I made by slicing 2 potatoes into thin fries, mixing with a little olive oil and baking for 40 minutes.
Nutritional Information – without fries:
Calories: 402
Fat: 11
Carbs: 39
Protein: 39.5
Fibre: 4.5
For the Canadians, Epicure offers a healthy Big Burger Sauce. Similar to Big Mac sauce. Add a little skim milk and turn it into a healthy thousand island dressing………
This is a big hit in our house – thanks! My 5 year old told me he prefers homemade burgers to McDonalds burgers this evening – winner!!
I like the sound of the sauce. McDonald’s makes me feel ill too, but I bet this won’t.
Burgers are my favourite food too. This looks really nice. Thank you Danni
You are the best! My kids always nag me for mcdonalds and I usually give in. I am going to get them to make this with me so it is a family activity too.
Where is the ketchup recipe?
Big Macs are the best hangover cure. Not sure I would be able to make this the morning after a drinking session, but I will make it during the week sometimes. I must admit I go to Maccy D’s more often than I should.
Yum! I love burgers.
I don’t eat mcdonald’s, but this burger sounds really good. I am looking forward to making the sauce. It would make a good dip too.
Do you have a recipe for the home-made ketchup? The burger looks great too.
I saw your post about Mcdonalds on facebook last night. Thank you for not judging those of us that do eat it. I don’t go there very often, but I do still go. I will be making this though. I am always looking for healthier options.