The “Ultimate Smash Burger” is a juicy, flavorful burger made by smashing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet to create a crispy, caramelized crust. Here’s a recipe to make an incredible ultimate smash burger:
Ingredients:
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef (for the best flavor and juiciness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- For the Toppings:
- 4 burger buns (soft, lightly toasted)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickles, sliced
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp pickle relish or finely chopped pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Smash Burger Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined and set aside.
- Prepare the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each).
- Roll each portion into a loose ball, but don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Season each beef ball generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Burgers:
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add a bit of oil to the pan if needed (optional).
- Place the beef balls onto the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, immediately smash the balls down into thin patties (you want to press down hard to form a crispy crust).
- Cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges are crispy and brown. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked to your desired level.
- Toast the Buns:
- While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns in the skillet or on a griddle until golden brown.
- Assemble the Smash Burger:
- Spread a generous amount of the sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add the cooked patty with melted cheese.
- Top with thin slices of onion, pickles, and other toppings like lettuce and tomato if desired.
- Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Tips for the Ultimate Smash Burger:
- Don’t press the beef too early: You want to give the meat a few seconds to sear before smashing it down.
- Use fresh, high-quality beef: The fat content in 80/20 beef ensures juiciness and flavor.
- Get your pan hot: A hot cooking surface is key to getting that crispy crust.
- Rest the patties briefly: After cooking, let the patties rest for a moment to keep them juicy.
Enjoy the ultimate smash burger with crispy edges, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings!
