Best 3 Smash Burgers Recipes

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In the realm of burgers, one name stands out for its simplicity and mouthwatering appeal: smash burgers. These bite-sized wonders have taken the culinary world by storm, captivating burger enthusiasts with their crispy, caramelized crusts, juicy interiors, and endless flavor combinations. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting your burger-making journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tips, tricks, and recipes you need to create the perfect smash burgers that will leave you and your taste buds wanting more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SMASH BURGERS



Smash Burgers image

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

1 pound ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided
4 hamburger buns, split
Optional: Mayonnaise, sliced American cheese, sliced tomato, dill pickle slices, lettuce, ketchup and yellow mustard

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 WITH GRIDDLED ONIONS AND SPICY SPECIAL SAUCE



Smash Burgers with Griddled Onions and Spicy Special Sauce image

Smash burgers are an iconic staple of American diners, with their toasted buns and that mysteriously delicious special sauce. My version amps up the flavor of the special sauce with pickled jalapenos and adds a slight smoky, sweet flavor from griddled onions. The secret to the perfect smash burger is not overworking the meat so that it's tender and juicy but still gets a browned, salty crust with a hit of pepper and melty cheese draped over the top.

Provided by Rick Martinez

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 pickled jalapenos, chopped
2 teaspoons pickled jalapeno brine
2 teaspoons Dijon, spicy brown or yellow mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1 pound ground beef chuck (20% fat)
1/2 pound ground beef brisket and/or short rib (20% fat)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 large pinch sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 thin slices cheese such as Cheddar or Monterey jack
4 seeded hamburger buns or potato rolls, toasted
Lettuce and sliced tomatoes, for serving

Steps:

  • Whisk the mayonnaise, pickled jalapenos, brine, mustard and garlic together in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to serve.
  • Combine the chuck and brisket in a medium bowl and using 2 forks, "pull" the meat apart, breaking up any clumps and combining the two meats together. This will seem counterintuitive but it will blend the meats together without compacting them. Divide into 4 equal portions and form balls (about the size of tennis balls) being careful not to compact or overwork the meat -- do not form patties.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper; cook, tossing occasionally, until golden browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with the sugar and toss until caramelized, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
  • Increase the heat to high and heat the same skillet until very hot. Add the remaining oil (or 1 tablespoon oil, if working in batches), swirling to coat.
  • Working in batches if necessary, place balls in the skillet and smash flat with a metal spatula using the handle of a wooden spoon to press down on the spatula to form 4-inch patties (you want to see craggy edges). Season liberally with salt and pepper and cook, undisturbed, until the outer edges are brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the patties, season with salt and pepper and top each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook until the cheese droops and the burgers are medium-rare, about 1 minute.
  • Serve the patties on the toasted buns with the spicy special sauce, griddled onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

RAREBIT SMASH BURGERS WITH PUB POTATOES AND HORSERADISH SAUCE



Rarebit Smash Burgers with Pub Potatoes and Horseradish Sauce image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 large Russet potatoes
EVOO, for the pans
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 clove garlic, finely grated or pasted
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Splash of half-and-half or whole milk
2 pounds 80-percent ground beef (if you grind your own, use 1/2-pound each skirt steak, brisket and sirloin)
About 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 small white or yellow onion, very thinly sliced
1/2 cup Irish stout, such as Guinness
1/2 pound sliced Cotswold or extra-sharp yellow Cheddar
Brioche or potato rolls, lightly toasted
Bread-and-butter pickles, for topping
Watercress, for topping

Steps:

  • Peel the potatoes, then slice into thin wedges or cut into 3/4-inch dice. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of EVOO. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, then drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the potatoes to the fat in the skillet and season with a little salt and lots of pepper. Cook until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Cover with foil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and cook until crisp, 7 to 8 more minutes.
  • Mix the sour cream, chives, dill, garlic, horseradish, 2 tablespoons parsley and half-and-half or milk in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix the beef, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard cayenne or hot sauce and the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush with oil, then add the beef mixture in 4 loose balls of equal size (do not shape them with your hands). Flatten with a spatula into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Scatter the onion slices over the top and press in with the spatula. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and press the onion into the patties. Cook for 2 more minutes. Douse the pan with the beer and lay the cheese over the patties. Cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute.
  • Serve the burgers on the rolls with pickles and watercress. Drizzle the horseradish sauce over the potatoes and serve on the side.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ground beef. The better the beef, the better the burgers will be. Look for ground chuck or sirloin that is at least 80% lean.
  • Season the beef simply. Just a little salt and pepper is all you need. You can also add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder, if you like.
  • Form the beef into thin patties. The patties should be about 1/4-inch thick and 3 inches in diameter.
  • Cook the burgers over high heat. This will create a nice crust on the outside and keep the inside juicy.
  • Flip the burgers only once. Over-flipping can dry out the burgers.
  • Cook the burgers to your desired doneness. Rare burgers will be cooked for about 1 minute per side, medium-rare burgers will be cooked for about 2 minutes per side, and medium burgers will be cooked for about 3 minutes per side.
  • Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

Conclusion:

Smash burgers are a delicious and easy-to-make weeknight meal. They're perfect for a casual get-together or a backyard barbecue. With a few simple tips, you can make smash burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. So next time you're craving a burger, give smash burgers a try!

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