Name: California Culture Awards Breakfast Burger
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20); 4 large eggs; 4 brioche burger buns (soy- and sesame-free); 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; 1 cup arugula; 1 large heirloom tomato, thickly sliced; 2 tbsp mayonnaise (soy-free); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 lemon (for squeezing over avocado)

California Culture Awards Breakfast Burger

CookwithNewsletter

Inspired by the wild, absurd spirit of the Las Culturistas Culture Awards and the California love of iconic breakfasts and beef, this breakfast burger is a celebration of food culture’s chaotic joy. It fuses the all-day appeal of an Egg McMuffin, the decadence of a filet mignon, and the influence of California’s farm-fresh bounty: juicy beef, runny egg, creamy avocado, and heirloom tomato, all on a pillowy brioche bun. Each bite balances richness with acid and freshness—a playful, award-worthy start to any day.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Shape ground beef into four 4-oz patties; season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil. Sear burger patties for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Add cheese on top of each patty. Transfer skillet to oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and burgers reach desired doneness.
Meanwhile, split and toast buns lightly in the oven or a dry skillet.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
Wipe skillet clean and melt butter over medium-low. Crack in eggs and fry sunny-side-up until whites are just set and yolks are runny, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss avocado slices with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
To assemble: Spread mayo-mustard sauce on both sides of toasted buns. Layer arugula, tomato, burger patty with melted cheese, avocado, fried egg, then top bun. Press gently and serve immediately.