If you’ve ever taken a bite of a Five Guys burger and thought, “How do they make this taste so good?” — you’re not alone.
While they’re known for their fresh, never-frozen patties and simple toppings, one often-overlooked element that sets their burgers apart is the seasoning. It’s not complicated, but it makes a big difference: just the right blend of salt, pepper, and savory depth to bring out the full flavor of the beef.
This copycat Five Guys hamburger seasoning recipe lets you recreate that craveable flavor at home — whether you’re grilling in the backyard, smashing patties on a griddle, or simply cooking on your stovetop.
The beauty of this blend is in its simplicity: a few pantry staples, properly balanced, used to season the meat just before cooking. It’s the final touch that makes your burger taste like the real deal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger seasoning is incredibly simple but delivers big results. It complements the beef without overpowering it, and it works with any cooking method — grill, skillet, griddle, or even air fryer.
The ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, and it takes less than 5 minutes to mix together. Once you try it, you may never go back to plain salt and pepper again.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional for subtle tang)
Pro Tips
- Season just before cooking – Don’t mix seasoning into the raw beef; instead, sprinkle it on right before the patties hit the heat.
- Use coarse kosher salt – It enhances the crust on the burger and doesn’t dissolve too quickly.
- Don’t over-season – A light dusting is all you need to bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
- Make extra – This seasoning is also great on steak, chicken, and grilled vegetables.
- Toast the buns – A lightly toasted bun brings everything together and highlights the savory burger flavor.
Tools Required
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or whisk
- Small airtight spice jar or container
- Grill or stovetop skillet
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika or omit it for a more traditional blend.
- Low-sodium version: Reduce or skip the salt and season individual patties to taste.
- Spicier version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a kick.
- Sweet & smoky: Add ½ teaspoon of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness (great on grilled burgers).
- Fresh garlic lover? Rub garlic onto the burger bun or melt minced garlic into your burger butter.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this seasoning blend in advance and store it in an airtight spice jar for up to 6 months. Label the jar with the date and shake it before each use to redistribute the ingredients. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Instructions
1. Mix the seasoning blend
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground mustard (if using). Stir until fully combined.
2. Store or use immediately
Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container if storing for later, or set aside to use right away on your burgers.
3. Form your patties
Shape ground beef into 4-ounce patties, handling it gently to avoid overworking. Press a small dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.
4. Season the patties
Just before cooking, sprinkle a generous pinch of seasoning on both sides of each patty. Press it in lightly.
5. Cook to perfection
Grill or cook the patties over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until your preferred doneness. Add cheese during the last minute if desired.
6. Assemble and serve
Place the cooked burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings — lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Serve immediately.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any unused seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. Cooked burger patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or grill.
Recipe FAQ
1. Is this the exact Five Guys seasoning recipe?
No, Five Guys hasn’t released their official recipe, but this copycat blend closely mimics their flavor using commonly known ingredients.
2. Do they season the meat before or after cooking?
Five Guys sprinkles the seasoning directly onto the raw patties right before they’re smashed and grilled — not mixed into the meat.
3. What kind of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is ideal for its coarse texture and clean flavor. Avoid iodized table salt, which can taste metallic.
4. Can I use this seasoning on other proteins?
Absolutely — it’s excellent on grilled chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, or even homemade fries.
Flavor That Makes the Burger
Whether you’re aiming to replicate the Five Guys experience or simply want to take your burgers to the next level, this seasoning blend delivers bold flavor without fuss. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact, especially when paired with quality beef and a hot grill.
Try it out and let me know how your homemade burgers turned out! Did you stick to the classic or put your own spin on it? Drop a comment and share your burger-building secrets below.