Deep Fried Burger
Quick Bite
A deep fried burger is a Memphis-style burger cooked in hot grease until the edges crisp and the patty turns rich, juicy, and deeply browned. It is old-school, unapologetic, and most famously tied to Dyer’s on Beale Street.
History
The deep fried burger is most closely associated with Dyer’s Burgers in Memphis. Elmer “Doc” Dyer opened his café in 1912 and developed the burger style that made the place famous. The legend centers on Dyer’s cooking grease, which has been strained, seasoned, and carried forward for generations.
Unlike a standard griddled burger, a Dyer’s-style burger is cooked in hot grease, giving it a crisp exterior and a rich, beefy flavor. It is not delicate food. It is Memphis diner history served on a bun with pickles, mustard, onions, and pepper.
The cooking method became part of the mythology. The “century-old grease” story is one of those food legends that sounds impossible, but it has become central to Dyer’s identity. The restaurant treats that grease like a living heirloom, carefully maintained and moved as needed.
A great deep fried burger should be crisp around the edges, juicy inside, and topped simply. Too many toppings would miss the point. This burger is about beef, hot grease, and history that smells like a Beale Street lunch counter.
Fun Facts
- Dyer’s Burgers in Memphis traces its history back to 1912.
- The restaurant is famous for its long-running seasoned cooking grease.
- Classic toppings are simple: mustard, pickles, onions, and pepper.
Where to Try
The essential deep fried burger stop, located on Beale Street and famous for its historic cooking method.
A beloved Memphis tavern known for burgers and late-night local character.
A legendary Memphis dive bar where the Soul Burger gives you a different but equally iconic local burger experience.
About the Game
This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.
Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shape the patties: Divide the beef into 4 thin patties.
- Season: Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the fat: Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil or beef tallow in a deep skillet to about 350°F.
- Fry the burgers: Carefully lower the patties into the hot fat.
- Cook: Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deeply browned and cooked through.
- Drain: Drain briefly on a rack.
- Build: Place each patty on a bun.
- Top: Top with mustard, pickles, chopped onions, and a little extra black pepper.
- Serve: Serve hot.
