Mondo Burger from Good Burger Movie

A Brief History of the Mondo Burger

The Mondo Burger is a fictional dish featured in the 1997 cult classic film "Good Burger," starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. This over-the-top burger was known for its enormous size and was the calling card of the fast-food chain by the same name, competing directly with the smaller, humbler "Good Burger" managed by the character Ed. The film showcased Mondo Burger as a symbol of commercial excess, often humorously exaggerated in size compared to a regular burger.

Despite being fictional, the concept of the Mondo Burger fascinated audiences and became a part of pop-culture food references, prompting food enthusiasts to recreate an edible version that captures the whimsy and grandeur of the original.

Ingredients

To make a Mondo Burger worthy of a cinematic tribute, you'll need the freshest ingredients. For convenience, each ingredient is hyperlinked to its detailed description and usage guide.

• Ground Beef - 2 lbs, 80% lean
• Burger Buns - 4 large, preferably homemade or artisanal
• Cheddar Cheese - 8 slices
• Lettuce - 1 head, fresh iceberg or romaine
• Tomato - 2 large, ripe
• Onion - 1 large, sweet or red
• Pickles - 1/2 cup sliced
• Mayonnaise - 1/4 cup
• Ketchup - 1/4 cup
• Mustard - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Oil - for frying, high smoke point like canola or vegetable

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Patties

Mix ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the beef into four equal portions, each forming a large patty. The patties should be wider than the burger buns to account for shrinkage as they cook.

Tip:

Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

• Wash and dry the lettuce. Tear large leaves to fit the burger diameter.
• Slice the tomatoes and onion into thick, even slices. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for best texture and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Frying the Patties

Heat a generous amount of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties into the pan.

Cook each patty for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Adjust time by checking with a cooking timer to ensure precision.

Melting the Cheese:

Place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt it perfectly.

Step 2: Toasting the Buns

While the patties rest, gently toast the burger buns on a separate skillet over medium heat. Toast until golden brown, enhancing flavor and texture.

Assembling the Mondo Burger

1. Slather the bottom half of each toasted bun with mayonnaise and ketchup.
2. Place the cheesy beef patty on top.
3. Add layers of fresh lettuce, tomato slices, crisp onion rings, and pickles.
4. Add a drizzle of mustard for a tangy kick.
5. Top with the remaining half of the bun, pressing down gently to secure the massive layers in place.

Enjoying the Mondo Burger Experience

The Mondo Burger is best enjoyed immediately, while the patties are juicy and the cheese is gooey. Serve with a side of crispy fries and your favorite soda for an authentic movie-inspired meal.

For added fun, consider hosting a "Good Burger" movie night and serving the Mondo Burger as the main attraction, completing the experience with the humor and nostalgia of the film.