Best 2 Northwest Indiana Style Smash Burger Recipes
In the heart of the Midwest, where the flavors of the Great Lakes region converge, lies a culinary gem that has captured the taste buds of burger enthusiasts far and wide: the Northwest Indiana style smash burger. This delectable creation, born from the industrial heritage of the region, embodies the essence of simplicity and satisfaction, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. From its humble origins as a fast-food staple to its current status as a gourmet delicacy, the Northwest Indiana style smash burger has come a long way, earning its place as a Midwest culinary icon.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SMASH BURGERS
Now is not the time to cut calories or skimp on salt. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with kosher salt-it is beef's best friend. -James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, gently shape beef into 4 balls, shaping just enough to keep together (do not compact). , Increase burner temperature to medium-high; add oil. Working in batches, add beef. With a heavy metal spatula, flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle each with 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until edges start to brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Turn burgers and sprinkle with additional 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook until well browned and a thermometer reads at least 160°, 1 minute. Repeat with remaining beef., Serve burgers on buns with toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 16g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 760mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
SMASH BURGERS
This is the traditional, griddled hamburger of diners and takeaway spots, smashed thin and cooked crisp on its edges. It is best to cook in a heavy, cast-iron skillet slicked with oil or fat, and not on a grill. For meat, ask a butcher for coarse-ground chuck steak, with at least a 20 percent fat content, or grind your own. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook, and try not to handle it with your fingers - use an ice-cream scoop or spoon instead. Plop down a few ounces in the pan, smash it with a spatula, salt it, let it go crisp and flip. Add cheese and get your bun toasted. The process moves quickly.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories weeknight, burgers, main course
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add oil or butter to a large cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet and place over medium heat. Gently divide ground beef into 8 small piles of around 4 ounces each, and even more gently gather them together into orbs that are about 2 inches in height. Do not form patties.
- Increase heat under skillet to high. Put half the orbs into the skillet with plenty of distance between them and, using a stiff metal spatula, press down on each one to form a burger that is around 4 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook without moving until patties have achieved a deep, burnished crust, a little less than 2 minutes. Use the spatula to scrape free and carefully turn burgers over. If using cheese, lay slices on meat.
- Continue to cook until meat is cooked through, approximately a minute or so longer. Remove burgers from skillet, place on buns and top as desired. Repeat process with remaining burgers. Serving two hamburgers on a single bun is not an outrageous option.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your smash burger.
- Don't overwork the meat. When you're forming the patties, be gentle and don't overmix the meat. This will help keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
- Use a hot, greased griddle or skillet. This will help create a nice crust on the burgers and prevent them from sticking.
- Smash the burgers down with a spatula. This will help create a thin, crispy patty that's cooked evenly throughout.
- Don't flip the burgers too often. Only flip them once, when they're cooked about halfway through.
- Top the burgers with your favorite toppings. Some classic toppings include cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
Conclusion:
Smash burgers are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and they can be customized to suit your own taste. So next time you're looking for a satisfying burger that's sure to please everyone, give the Northwest Indiana-style smash burger a try.
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