Animal Style at In-N-Out is a beloved culinary custom that elevates the fast-food experience by adding unique flavors and textures to your typical burger and fries. Originating from the California-based chain, this style offers a delicious twist that fans adore. Understanding what Animal Style entails is essential for anyone looking to enhance their meal at In-N-Out.
This guide delves into what Animal Style includes, how it enhances the flavors of the classic menu offerings, and tips for making an Animal Style meal at home if you can’t make it to an In-N-Out location. Get ready to discover all there is to know about this West Coast favorite!
What Is Animal Style at In-N-Out?
Animal Style is an option on the In-N-Out secret menu, which allows customers to order burgers or fries with additional toppings and a special preparation method. Specifically, Animal Style burgers are served with mustard cooked into the patty, as well as an extra helping of grilled onions and a special sauce that adds a distinct tangy flavor. Fries also come topped with cheese, grill onions, and the special sauce, creating a savory indulgence.
The Components of Animal Style
To fully understand Animal Style, let’s break down the components that make it so popular.
Extra Mustard
When you order your burger Animal Style, they cook the burger patty with mustard, which caramelizes as it cooks. This unique flavor profile enhances the typically savory meat with a subtle tanginess that enhances every bite.
Grilled Onions
Animal Style burgers come loaded with grilled onions that are caramelized until golden. These onions add a rich sweetness that pairs harmoniously with the savory beef and tangy mustard.
Special Sauce
In-N-Out’s special sauce is a house-made dressing that resembles a creamy Thousand Island dressing. It features a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish, creating a creamy and slightly sweet layer of flavor that elevates each component of the burger.
Animal Style Fries
The fries offer a take on the classic side, elevated by cheese, grilled onions, and the special sauce. The cheese is melted over the hot fries, creating a gooey texture, while the onions and sauce add depth and flavor, creating a satisfying side dish that rivals the burgers.
Ordering Animal Style at In-N-Out
When ordering, you may notice that Animal Style is not prominently displayed on the menu. It’s part of their secret menu, known mostly by avid fans. Follow these tips to ensure your order is accurate:
- Clearly specify “Animal Style” when ordering your burger and fries.
- Feel free to modify further, such as adding extra cheese or only grilled onions.
- Be patient, as during peak hours, adjustments may take a bit longer to prepare.
Why Choose Animal Style?
Choosing Animal Style can significantly enhance your dining experience. Here’s why it’s a popular choice:
- Flavor Enhancement: The addition of mustard, grilled onions, and special sauce combines to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Textural Harmony: Between the gooey cheese and crispy fries, every bite offers a dual experience of texture that is uniquely satisfying.
- Satiating Portion Size: The added toppings provide more substance to your meal, making it more filling.
Homemade Animal Style Recipes
If you’re not near an In-N-Out location or you simply want to recreate this indulgence at home, follow these simple recipes for both Animal Style burgers and fries.
Animal Style Burger Recipe
This recipe will guide you through creating a mouth-watering burger similar to In-N-Out’s Animal Style offering.
Ingredients for 4 Servings
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Instructions
- Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- While the skillet is heating, form the ground beef into four patties. Do not overwork the meat; it’s best if slightly loose.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the patties on the skillet. Immediately spread about 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard on each patty.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes until well browned. Flip the patties and add a slice of American cheese on top to melt.
- Meanwhile, in another pan over medium heat, add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the patties are cooking, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish in a bowl to make the special sauce.
- To assemble, spread the special sauce on the bottom of a hamburger bun, add the mustard-cooked patty with melted cheese, top with grilled onions, then cover with the top bun.
Animal Style Fries Recipe
This recipe allows you to make the cheesy, flavorful fries that accompany an Animal Style burger perfectly.
Ingredients for 4 Servings
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded American cheese
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Deep fryer or large, heavy pot
- Mandoline or knife for cutting
- Slotted spoon
Instructions
- Start by peeling the russet potatoes, then using a mandoline or knife, cut them into thin fry shapes.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps make them crispier when cooked.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain and dry the fries thoroughly, then fry them in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the fries cool, caramelize diced onions in a separate skillet over medium heat until golden, about 10 minutes.
- For assembly, place the hot fries on a serving plate, then spread the shredded American cheese on top while the fries are still hot.
- Top the cheese fries with the caramelized onions and a drizzle of the special sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish.
Variations of Animal Style
While the classic Animal Style burger and fries are delightful on their own, consider these variations to tailor the flavor to your liking:
- Double Meat Animal Style: For a heartier burger, order a double patty with all the Animal Style toppings.
- Cheese Fries: Add more cheese than the standard amount or switch it out for a different cheese variety like cheddar for a sharper taste.
- Vegetable Options: Substitute meat patty with a veggie patty or even a lettuce wrap for a lighter option while keeping the Animal Style toppings.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Animal Style
To ensure you have the best experience, be mindful of these common mistakes when ordering:
- Not specifying “Animal Style” clearly can lead to confusion with the staff, so make sure to pronounce it distinctly.
- Assuming all toppings are included without asking—confirm your choice of grilled onions versus raw onions when ordering.
- Forgetting to complement your meal with the signature shakes that In-N-Out offers, which can add a sweet balance to your savory meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your homemade Animal Style meal, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Store the burger components separately: keep the patties and toppings in airtight containers and the buns wrapped in foil to prevent them from drying out.
- For the fries, place them in a single layer in a bag or container, with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- To reheat, use an oven to restore crispness. Place fries on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. For burgers, reheat patties in a skillet over low heat and toast the buns separately.
Conclusion
Animal Style is more than just a menu option at In-N-Out; it’s a flavor-packed experience that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary. By understanding its unique components, how to order it, and how to recreate it at home, you can enjoy the indulgence of Animal Style anytime you crave it. Ready to elevate your fast food experience or impress friends at your next cookout? Dive into the delicious world of Animal Style!
Explore related recipes and cooking tips by checking out our guides on how to make In-N-Out sauce and smash burger sauce to add even more flavor to your meals.