If you love burgers but want to try something a little different, then you should give smash burgers a try. These burgers are made by cooking a thin patty on a hot griddle or grill and then smashing it down with a spatula to create a crispy crust. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that’s loaded with texture and taste.
WHAT MAKES A SMASH BURGER DIFFERENT
So, what makes a smash burger different from a regular burger? For starters, the patty is much thinner than a traditional burger patty. This allows it to cook more quickly and develop a crispy crust on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside. Another key difference is the way the patty is cooked. Instead of grilling the patty on a traditional grill, smash burgers are cooked on a griddle or flat top stove. This allows the patty to come into contact with the heat source from both sides, which helps to cook it evenly and gives it that signature crispy crust.
HOW TO MAKE A SMASH BURGER
It’s all about the technique. By smashing the beef onto the griddle, you’re creating a large surface area that allows for maximum caramelization and char. This gives the burger a delicious sear and depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with a traditional burger patty.
So, how do you make the perfect smash burger at home? Follow these simple steps:
To make a smash burger, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground beef (85/15 or 80/20 fat content works best)
Salt and pepper
Hamburger buns
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, etc.)
To start, preheat your griddle or flat top stove over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, divide your ground beef into equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Be sure to season both sides of the patty with salt and pepper.
Once your griddle is hot, place the patty on the surface and press down on it with a spatula. The goal is to create a thin, flat patty that’s about 4 inches in diameter. You want to apply enough pressure to flatten the patty, but not so much that it falls apart.
Cook the patty for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it’s nice and crispy on the outside. If you’re using cheese, add it to the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking so it has time to melt.
Once the patty is cooked to your liking, remove it from the griddle and place it on a bun. Top it with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
There are endless ways to customize your smash burger, so feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some classic combinations include lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, or bacon, avocado, and a fried egg. You can also switch things up by using different types of cheese or adding condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
No matter how you choose to top your smash burger, one thing is for sure: it’s sure to be a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that will have you coming back for more.
And here is a recipe for smash burgers:
Smash Burgers Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (85/15 or 80/20 fat content works best)
Salt and pepper
4 hamburger buns
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat your griddle or flat top stove over medium-high heat.
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
Place the patties on the griddle or stove and press down on them with a flat heavy spatula.
Cook the patty for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it’s nice and crispy on the outside. If you’re using cheese, add it to the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking so it has time to melt.
Once the patty is cooked to your liking, remove it from the griddle and place it on a bun. Top it with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Equipment
- 1 heavy griddle or cast iron pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15 or 80/20 fat content works best
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper
- 4 each hamburger buns
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or flat top stove over medium-high heat.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
- Place the patties on the griddle or stove and press down on them with a flat heavy spatula.
- Cook the patty for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it’s nice and crispy on the outside. If you’re using cheese, add it to the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking so it has time to melt.
- Once the patty is cooked to your liking, remove it from the griddle and place it on a bun. Top it with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Nutrition
So, the next time you’re craving a delicious burger, give smash burgers a try. The technique may take a bit of practice, but the end result is well worth it. Trust us, these burgers will be the talk of the town!
