Ditch the fast food and make your own gourmet smash burgers at home. Easy, versatile and so delicious, you'll definitely want to add these smash burgers to your dinner menu.
What kind of beef is best?
The high heat and intense smashing that is used to cook smash burgers renders the fat, creating a crispy crust while infusing the burger with delicious flavor. Lean beef tends to steam rather than fry which will produce a less appealing texture and flavor profile. The key is a fattier beef, preferably 75/25 or 80/20.
Ground chuck is arguably the most commonly used and recommended beef for smash burgers. It is the perfect balance of flavor, fat content, and affordability. Chuck comes from the shoulder area of the cow and contains a good amount of marbling, meaning a juicy and flavorful burger.
How should I season smash burgers?
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning smash burgers. The salt helps to draw out moisture from the beef, creating a better sear and enhancing the flavor. The pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Garlic powder and onion powder complement the beef's flavor without overpowering it.
How to Make Smash Burgers
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together ground sirloin and seasonings.
Step 2: On a cutting board, silicone mat or parchment paper, divide beef into 16 pieces and roll into balls.
Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of a neutral oil such as avocado oil.
Step 4: When your pan is nice and hot, drop meatballs in, one or two at a time. You don't want to overcrowd your pan which will reduce the temperature. Press immediately and hold down for 1-2 minutes. You will want to either spray your press with cooking spray between each burger or press a piece of parchment paper between the meat and the press. This will prevent your burger from sticking to the press. Remove press, flip burger and cook an additional minute.
Step 5: Remove press and add cheese. Allow cheese to begin melting, about another minute. Remove from heat.
Step 6: While burgers are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat and add onions. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until softened and beginning to caramelize.
Step 7: Assemble your burgers. Place one patty on a bun, top with bacon and another patty. Top with condiments and caramelized onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
*Make sure not to overcrowd your pan when cooking. This will reduce the temperature and steam the burgers instead of giving you a nice sear. Cook your patties in batches, two at a time.
*Leave enough room between your patties when cooking to allow proper airflow and heat circulation.
*If you don't have a burger press, use a heavy-duty metal spatula or frying pan to press down.
*Play with the toppings and seasonings to fit your own personal preferences.
Ditch the fast food and make your own gourmet smash burgers at home. Easy, versatile and so delicious, you'll definitely want to add these smash burgers to your dinner menu.
In a medium bowl, mix together ground sirloin and seasonings.
On a cutting board, silicone mat or parchment paper, divide beef into 16 pieces and roll into balls.
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of a neutral oil such as avocado oil.
When your pan is nice and hot, drop meatballs in, one or two at a time. You don't want to overcrowd your pan which will reduce the temperature. Press immediately and hold down for 1-2 minutes. You will want to either spray your press with cooking spray between each burger or press a piece of parchment paper between the meat and the press. This will prevent your burger from sticking to the press. Remove press, flip burger and cook an additional minute.
Remove press and add cheese. Allow cheese to begin melting, about another minute. Remove from heat.
While burgers are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat and add onions. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until softened and beginning to caramelize.
Assemble your burgers. Place one patty on a bun, top with bacon and another patty. Top with condiments and caramelized onions. Serve immediately.
