What is a Smash Burger?
Smashburger first set out with one goal when they opened: to create a better burger. And they succeeded – while also creating a new category of burgers in the process.
To create a smash burger, place a ball of ground beef onto a hot cooking surface (cast iron pans work best) and press or slam it down flat using a spatula or a press.
It’s a burger.
Smash burgers are unique burgers that have been flattened during cooking to produce an irresistibly crispy outer crust and juicy interior, as well as reduce the risk of flare-ups on a grill or griddle due to less surface area for fat to drip onto heat sources. This unique cooking method has become immensely popular worldwide.
Smash Burgers is an exciting twist on traditional hamburgers with various toppings and variations. Cheese smashes are especially popular, featuring American or Cheddar cheese on a toasted bun, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and ketchup as toppings. Meanwhile, bacon smashes offer another popular variation featuring slices of crispy bacon as its star ingredient.
Making a smash burger requires careful preparation of both meat and bun. 80/20 ground beef provides optimal flavor, while high-quality buns add to the eating experience.
Make hamburger patties using a metal spatula by pressing down on loosely packed balls of ground beef onto a hot griddle or pan and pressing with it to form thin patties. Next, using firm motions, squash it as flat as you can without overdoing it, or you will end up with “football burgers.” Once done smashing, cook for three minutes before flipping over.
Once your burger is complete, it’s time to add it to a bun. Toasting will help make the bread crispier and easier to handle, then top with your desired ingredients (and sauce if desired).
Smash burgers make for an easy and fast lunch option. They pair perfectly with any side dishes ranging from salads and simple sides like macaroni and cheese or sweet potato fries – to spicy aiolis or coleslaw for extra spice!
It’s a sandwich.
Smash burgers are delectable sandwiches made of ground beef patties that have been flattened using an overheated grill, creating juicy bites with crisp edges that make for a delicious bite-sized experience. A smash burger has long been a restaurant favorite that is easy to recreate at home, making this treat great for barbecues or parties alike with all sorts of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and pickle available; even spicy aioli can add extra zesty flair!
At the core of any successful smash burger lies its meat. Lean cuts will not caramelize properly, so it is best to use fatty cuts like chuck steak for optimal results. Fat adds moisture, helping the patty cook faster while creating extra juicy flavors in every bite. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper – season your patties just before smashing them so they don’t stick to your spatula or grill press!
Start by gathering all of the ingredients. A smash burger requires 2 pounds of 85/15 ground beef chuck, eight slices of American cheese, and a soft hamburger bun (for classic restaurant flavors and textures). Finally, serve alongside a garden salad or fresh fruit slices for optimal results!
Once your patty has been seasoned, use a metal spatula or grill press to break it apart into thin and flat slices using medium heat until halfway cooked before flipping and topping with cheese.
Your burger will be ready to be devoured when it has reached a golden-brown color with plenty of pink hues. Before enjoying, add your desired fixings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions! And take your burger on the go; an airtight container in the refrigerator can keep it fresh for several days!
It’s a meal.
Smash burgers differ from their traditional counterparts. They’re prepared by placing a ball of meat on the grill and smashing it with a heavy spatula, creating an irresistibly crunchy crust while leaving its center soft and succulent. Smash burgers are easy to prepare, customizable with your preferred toppings, and are an enjoyable meal to savor with friends and family!
This recipe is perfect for entertaining and will impress guests with your cooking abilities. Furthermore, you can easily prepare it and freeze it until later use – add different ingredients or sauces as desired and serve it alongside fries and cold drinks for the whole dining experience!
Start your smash burger creation process by preheating your grill – ideally, using a gas grill with high heat settings. Divide a large, loosely packed ball of ground beef into two equal patties before seasoning them with salt and pepper, placing them onto the hot grill, and pressing down firmly with a spatula to flatten.
Next, choose your cheese. Options for cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack exist – pepper jack is recommended due to its robust flavor profile. Cook burgers for 2 – 3 minutes until cooked with an exterior caramelization that gives a great crunch!
To prepare a smash burger, spread some of the sauce onto the bottom of a bun before topping it with your patty, red onion slices, and tomatoes. Finally, place another bun on top before serving!
Maillard reaction is the key to creating deliciously juicy and crispy burgers, where sugars and amino acids combine with intense heat to produce that wonderful caramelized crust so familiar from grilled food. When done right, your burger will feature crispy edges and a juicy interior; to maximize this process, use high-fat cuts of meat.
It’s a party.
Smash burgers are delicious and easy to prepare, making them a delightful party food you can serve with various toppings and sauces. Make your own for an added boost of flavor! For a healthier option, serve alongside salad or pair them with mac and cheese or onion rings as heartier side dishes.
The smash burger proved an enormous hit at its launch, becoming a mainstay in many restaurants and food delivery services. Its immense popularity can be attributed to its unique cooking method, which produces a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy – an attractive alternative to fast-food options!
Smash burgers go beyond the basic patty by being loaded with sauce, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and other delicious toppings. Once assembled, they’re grilled over an electric griddle to give a golden-brown crust and ensure all necessary flavors come through in their tastes and textures.
One way to elevate the flavor of a smash burger is to add bacon. It adds an irresistibly unique touch that sets it apart from all other burgers, making this perfect for casual lunch or dinner occasions.
The smash burger has quickly become one of the most sought-after menu items at diners and fast-food chains, providing restaurants and fast-food chains with an alternative to traditional fast-food burgers that people of all ages love. Its cooking method has proved immensely popular, inspiring other restaurants to offer it.
Smash burgers differ from regular burgers in that they’re prepared by “smashing” the beef instead of traditional grilling methods by creating an evenly crusted surface and helping prevent flare-ups on the grill. Furthermore, this technique speeds up and evens out cooking time more quickly and evenly than conventional methods. Blackstone Burger owners frequently turn to this technique because it produces consistent crusting while helping prevent flare-ups on their grill and allows more consistent grilling results.
Home chefs looking to craft smash burgers should prioritize using high-quality meat and avoid overworking the dough when creating these tasty bites of deliciousness. Doing this will result in thick and dense patties with crispier crusts – and pressing each patty evenly thick will ensure even cooking times.