Emmy Squared Copy-Cat Burger: The Burger That Tastes Like NYC
This Emmy Squared Copy-Cat Burger is pure nostalgia for me. When I first moved to New York City for college, I didn’t know much about the city’s food scene. I was overwhelmed by endless options, buzzing streets, and the constant hum of energy. Everyone had their “must-try” list, and near the top of mine was Emmy Squared. Friends wouldn’t stop talking about their pizzas and, more importantly, that burger. I didn’t really get it until I took my first bite, and then, wow.
I still remember sitting in that cozy little corner of the restaurant, balancing college life on a shoestring budget, and feeling like I had discovered pure luxury in burger form. It wasn’t just a burger, it was layers of flavor I hadn’t experienced before. The pretzel bun was soft yet chewy with just the right amount of salt. The patty was juicy and rich, topped with caramelized onions that added a sweet depth. But the real magic? That Emmy Sauce. Spicy, tangy, a little sweet, and packed with umami. It had that perfect balance that kept you coming back for more.
Fast forward a seven years, and I’m no longer in that tiny college dorm, but I still think about that first bite. So, naturally, I had to try recreating it at home. Was it intimidating? Absolutely. Pretzel buns from scratch? Homemade sauce with gochujang and soy? Yes and yes. But let me tell you, it was worth every single step.
Making this burger feels like a little trip back to that day in the city. The smell of onions slowly caramelizing, the rich scent of sesame oil from the sauce, and the sight of those glossy pretzel buns coming out of the oven… it’s nostalgic in the best way. And when you finally assemble it, the bun, the juicy patty, the onions, that bold, tangy sauce, it’s everything I loved about that Emmy Squared burger, right here in my own kitchen.
If you’ve ever been to Emmy Squared, you know the burger magic I’m talking about. And if you haven’t? Well, this is your chance to experience it without hopping on a plane to NYC. Trust me, this one’s worth making.
Emmy Squared Copy Cat Burger
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Buns
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
For the Emmy Sauce
- ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- ¼ cup gochujang
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
For the Burgers
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices American cheese
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup warm water, 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Add melted 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour. Knead 5–6 minutes until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour until doubled.2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Meanwhile, start the caramelized onions by heating 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add 2 large yellow onions, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp sugar, cook 30–40 minutes, stirring until deep golden brown.2 large yellow onions, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp sugar
- Make the Emmy Sauce by whisking together ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise, ¼ cup gochujang, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tbsp fish sauceuntil smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise, ¼ cup gochujang, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- Once the dough is proofed, divide into 6 pieces, shape into balls. Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil 10 cups of water with ⅔ cup baking soda.⅔ cup baking soda
- Boil each dough ball 30 seconds per side, transfer to sheet. Brush with the beaten 1 egg, sprinkle with 1 tbsp coarse sea salt, and bake 15–18 minutes.1 egg, 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- Shape the 1 ½ lbs ground beef into 6 patties, slightly larger than buns. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Sear on a hot skillet or griddle 3–4 minutes per side. Add 6 slices American cheese in the last minute to melt.1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 6 slices American cheese, 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- Toast pretzel buns in a pan with butter or oil. Spread Emmy Sauce on both buns. Layer burger patty, caramelized onions, and extra sauce.
