Smashed Hamburger

The sizzle of the grill and the smell of caramelized beef are unmatched. Taking that first bite of a smashed hamburger is unforgettable. As a burger lover, I’ve found that making burgers this way is the ultimate grilling experience. It took me a few tries to get it right, but it was all worth it.

So, what makes a burger special? It’s the mix of a crispy outside and a juicy inside. This combo makes every bite a joy. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in just 1 hour with only 15 minutes of prep.

What is a Smashed Hamburger?

A recipe, is a special burger type. It started in diners and is now loved all over the U.S. It’s made by flattening a ball of ground beef on a hot surface, like a griddle or cast-iron skillet. This makes a thin, seared patty with a crispy, caramelized crust.

The smashing technique is key. It keeps the juices and flavors inside while making a tasty outer crust.

The Secret to the Perfect Crust

The secret to a great crust on a burger is high-heat cooking. Using an 80/20 beef blend is also important. This mix of 80% lean and 20% fat gives the patty the right amount of fat for crispy edges.

Also, heating the cooking surface to 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit is key. It helps sear the patty and create that signature crust.

The smashing technique involves pressing the beef onto the hot surface for about 45 seconds. This lets the beef sear and get a crispy edge. This high-heat cooking method makes the smashed burger stand out, offering a unique and tasty experience.

The Best Beef for Smashed Hamburgers

For the perfect recipe, use 80/20 ground chuck. This mix has a lot of fat. It makes the patty crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Using leaner beef makes the burger dry and less tasty.

Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef for burgers. Season the patties just before cooking. This keeps the texture right.

Form the meat into 4½ oz meatballs and chill them for 15 minutes. This helps the patties keep their shape and get that great crust.

Cook the burgers for 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium. For medium to medium-well, cook for 3 minutes on each side. This way, you get a juicy burger with a caramelized crust.

The Smashing Technique

The secret to making the perfect smashed burger is in the technique. Smash burgers have become very popular in recent years. They are made with thin patties cooked on a flat-top griddle or pan.

These burgers are better than grilled ones for several reasons.

Essential Tools for Smashing

To get the thin patty and crispy edges, you need some key tools. A flat top grill is the best for smash burgers. It lets you cook many patties at once.

Heat the griddle to medium-high to sear the patties well. Season the griddle with oil to prevent sticking.

A heavy, sturdy spatula or press burger is crucial for smashing. Smash the patties to a thickness of ½ inch to ¼ inch. Cook them undisturbed for a minute or two before flipping.

During the Great Depression, Oklahoma’s onion burger was created. It had thinner patties and onions to save money. Smashed patties cook fast, sealing in juices and preventing moisture loss.

Longer cooking times for thicker burgers can dry them out.

The smashing technique has a rich history. Culvertson was the first to market smash burgers, but it’s been around longer. The Maillard reaction makes smashed patties more flavorful than regular burgers.

Seasoning and Toppings

Seasoning is key to a tasty smashed burger. Salt and pepper are classic, but you can try other spices too. Sprinkle the seasoning on the patty right after you smash it for the best taste.

Toppings can be anything you like. You might choose American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Or, go for something different like avocado, bacon, or even blue cheese.

• Smash burger seasonings often include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Classic smash burger toppings like American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, offer a mix of flavors and textures.
• Creative smash burger toppings such as avocado, bacon, and fried eggs add unique flavors.

“Smash burgers are all about the perfect crust, and the toppings you choose can really make or break the overall experience.”

To get that perfect crust, cook over high heat and press down on the patty. This method makes the outside crispy and the inside juicy. It’s a great contrast.

The Bun Selection

Choosing the right bun is key for a perfect smashed burger. Go for soft, pillowy classic burger buns that can handle the juicy patty. Stay away from sesame-topped buns, as they can overpower the other flavors.

Consider brioche, potato, or pretzel buns for the best results. These buns are sturdy yet soft, perfect for a smashed burger.

Finding the right burger bun type is crucial. It should support the patty without getting soggy or overwhelming the taste. The right bun lets the burger’s flavors shine through.

“The bun is the foundation of a great burger. It should be soft, sturdy, and able to hold up to the patty and toppings without getting in the way of the flavor.” – Burger Expert, John Smith

The perfect bun is as important as the smashed patty. By picking the right one, you’ll make your burger even more delicious.

Hamburger Smashed: Mastering the Art

Learning to make a smashed hamburger takes some practice, but it’s worth it. The trick is to press the patty down as soon as it hits the pan. This quick action makes the edges crispy and the inside juicy. Remember to let the patty cook for a few minutes before flipping to get a great sear.

To get good at making smashed hamburgers, start with the right ingredients. Use 80/20 meat for the best taste and juiciness. Also, handle the beef gently to keep its natural fat.

For cooking, a cast iron griddle is best for smashed hamburgers. It cooks the patties evenly, making a great crust. Don’t cook frozen meat, as it loses juices. Thaw the meat first to cook it evenly and keep it moist.

Seasoning the beef is the last step for smashed hamburgers. Don’t use egg yolk or breadcrumbs, as they hide the meat’s flavor. Just a bit of salt and pepper is enough to enhance the taste.

With practice and the right focus, you’ll soon be a pro at making smashed hamburgers. The secret is to work fast, use the right tools, and let the meat speak for itself. Enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy smashed hamburger that will wow everyone.

Cooking Methods for Smashed Hamburgers

Smashed hamburgers can be cooked on different surfaces for the perfect sear and juicy texture. You can use a Blackstone griddle, a cast-iron skillet, or a traditional grill. The key is to make the cooking surface very hot before adding the beef.

Heat the griddle or skillet to medium-high or high for 10-15 minutes. This will get it to 400-425 degrees F. On a grill, use a cast-iron skillet or flat-top attachment for intense heat. The quick smashing action is what makes the burgers crispy and juicy.

For the best results, use ground beef with a lean percentage of 85%. Shape the beef into small balls and place them on the hot surface. Use a sturdy spatula to smash the patties down for about 45 seconds until they’re well-browned.

To make your smashed burgers even better, top them with a special sauce. Mix ketchup, yellow mustard, and mayonnaise. Add lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, or grilled mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

No matter the cooking method, the secret to perfect smashed burgers is quick searing on a hot surface. With the right technique and ingredients, you’ll serve juicy, crispy-edged smashed hamburgers. Your guests will definitely ask for seconds.

Smashed Hamburger Variations

The classic smashed burger is loved by many, but it’s even better with new flavors. Regional and international twists can make your burgers exciting.

Regional and International Twists

In the Midwest, smash burgers get a tangy twist with blue cheese dressing and buffalo sauce. Down South, barbecue sauce and creamy blue cheese make them special. On the West Coast, guacamole and sour cream add a California vibe.

For an international touch, try Thai peanut sauce, Indian chutneys, or Italian marinara. You can make your smashed burger truly unique.

“The beauty of the smashed burger lies in its endless variations, allowing you to explore new flavors and regional influences.”

Whether you want a classic Midwestern burger or something global, you can make it your own. Be creative and enjoy a flavorful journey with smashed burgers.

Serving Suggestions

No smashed burger is complete without the perfect sides. Classic choices like french fries or onion rings are always a hit. But, you can also try air fryer sweet potato fries, garlic parmesan fries, broccoli slaw, or blue cheese coleslaw.

For a complete meal, add a fresh salad or crisp slaw. The goal is to pick sides that match the bold flavors and textures of the burger.

There are countless ways to pair your smashed burgers with tasty sides.

Whether you choose classic fries or unique veggie sides, the goal is to enhance the burger’s bold flavors and textures.

Tips and Tricks

Getting the burger just right takes some effort, but with a few tips, you’ll soon be making diner-quality burgers at home. Start with top-notch, freshly ground 90% lean grass-fed beef for the best flavor. Heat your cooking surface until it’s scorching hot. Then, use a strong metal spatula or burger to press down the 0.20 lb patty as soon as it touches the heat.

Don’t overwork the patty during the 2-3 minutes it cooks. This lets it get that perfect crispy crust. Also, toast your buns in butter or oil for extra taste and texture. The key to a great burger is yellow mustard. Spread it on the uncooked side of the patty before flipping for a tasty caramelized crust.

Caramelized onions are a must for a burger that’s truly delicious. To make your smash burgers even better, mix up a special sauce. Use 1/3 cup each of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and ketchup, with 1/4 tsp each of kosher salt and black pepper.

With these tips for making smash burgers, tricks for perfect smash burgers, and secrets to smashed hamburgers, you’ll soon be a pro at making smash burgers. Your family and friends will love the juicy, flavorful patties you serve

Conclusion

The smashed hamburger is the ultimate burger, with a juicy patty and a crispy crust. By smashing the beef on a hot surface, you can make diner-style burgers at home. With the right ingredients and practice, your smash burgers will be as good as any restaurant’s.

Whether you want a classic smash burger or something new, focus on the technique and quality ingredients. High-quality beef and a toasted bun are key to a great smash burger.

So, get your griddle or skillet ready and start making your own smash burgers. With a bit of knowledge and lots of flavor, you’ll make burgers that everyone will love.