Recipe by Cynthia Hulé • Photo by Evan Henningsen

Serves 2

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 4 ground beef hamburger patties
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 2 slices tomato
  • 4 slices avocado
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 2 hamburger buns

1. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the red onion slices. Simmer for 4 minutes, then remove from heat. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

2. Preheat a griddle, grill, or cast-iron pan. Brush cooking surface with oil and grill the burgers until desired doneness. Check with a meat thermometer to test the patties’ internal temperature, which should be 160 degrees.

3. Toast the hamburger buns to warm them, or place them on the grill for 1 minute. To the bottom bun, add ketchup, then place 2 burger patties, with 2 slices of cheddar. You can melt the cheese onto the burger right on the grill as well. Top with tomato, avocado, pickled red onion, and mustard. Finish with the top bun.