Craving a burger experience like no other? Say hello to Smash Burgers – where the sizzle meets the smash! Our secret? It's all in the smashing technique. The smashing action and quick cooking time creates crispy edges and a juicy, flavorful interior. Customize with your favorite toppings, and dig into some burger bliss!
Serves 4
Ingredients for the Burgers:
1 pound ground beef, (80% lean, 20% fat)Salt and freshly ground black pepper8 slices American cheese4 hamburger buns, toasted
Ingredients for the Oklahoma-style Onions:
1 large onion, sliced into paper thin slices with a mandolinePinch of salt
Ingredients for the Special Sauce:
1/3 cup mayonnaise2 tablespoons ketchup2 tablespoons dill pickle relish1 tablespoon finely diced onion1 teaspoon red wine vinegar1/4 teaspoon mustard powder1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/8 teaspoon pepperDash of hot sauce (optional)
Ingredients for Serving:
Lettuce, thinly slicedPickles
Directions:
1. Prepare the onions. Using a mandoline, slice the onions into paper-thin slices. Place into a little pile and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Set aside until ready to cook the burgers.
2. Make the special sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, dill relish, onion, red wine vinegar, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce, if you'd like.
3. Divide and form the ground beef into 8 equal, 2 ounce portions. Shape each portion into about 2-inch balls. Season each ball with salt and black pepper.
4. Butter the buns, and prepare to toast while the burgers are cooking.
5. Prep the lettuce by slicing thinly. Drain the pickles.
6. Preheat a griddle, cast iron skillet, or large stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle a layer of canola oil over the surface to prevent the burgers from sticking.
7. It’s smash time! Once the pan is hot, add half the onions and cook until they begin to sizzle. Then, arrange the onions into 4 little piles in the hot pan. Place a burger ball on each onion pile in the skillet and immediately smash with a burger press or spatula until flattened to about 1/4-inch thick. Cook quickly for 2 minutes per side (set a timer, they cook quickly!). Flip and add a slice of American cheese and cook for 2 more minutes. The thinner edges will become wonderfully crispy. Remove from the pan. After the first batch is cooked, repeat step 7 with the remaining four burger balls.
8. Meanwhile, toast the buns on the grill or by broiling until just golden brown.
9. Assemble the smash burgers. Serve these delicious burgers as a single or double stack on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, caramelized onions, and special sauce.
10. Serve and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crispy, juicy, and savory flavors!
Want a better burger at home? Explore the Professional Certificate in the Culinary Arts online from your own kitchen, or request info.