If you’re looking to switch things up in the kitchen and master the art of cooking smash burgers, you’ve come to the right place. These delicious burgers are made by smashing the meat onto the hot griddle, creating a crispy outer layer and juicy center. With just a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your burger-making skills in no time. So grab a spatula and let’s get cooking!
What are Smash Burgers?
If you’re a burger fan, then you’ve probably heard the term “smash burger” before. Smash burgers have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the United States. These burgers are unique in the way they are prepared and cooked, resulting in a crispy crust and a tender center that is hard to resist.
How are Smash Burgers made?
Smash burgers are made by taking a small, ball-shaped portion of ground beef and placing it onto a hot griddle or skillet. The ground beef is then smashed down using a spatula or another flat object to create a thin patty. The secret to a good smash burger is the amount of pressure applied to the patty when smashing it down. Too little pressure and the patty won’t form a crispy crust. Too much pressure and the patty will become tough and dry.
- Use high-quality ground beef: Smash burgers are all about the meat, so it’s essential to use high-quality ground beef. Look for ground beef that has a high fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. The fat content is what helps create the crispy crust on the patty.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Overworking the meat can cause the patty to become tough and dry when cooked. Only handle the meat enough to form the patty, and don’t pack it too tight.
- Season the patty: Smash burgers are simple in flavor, but they do require seasoning. Sprinkle the patty with salt and black pepper before smashing it down. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to enhance the flavor.
- Use a hot griddle or skillet: A hot cooking surface is essential when making smash burgers. Heat your griddle or skillet to medium-high heat before adding the ground beef.
What is the Best Meat for Smash Burgers?
When it comes to making the perfect smash burger, choosing the right meat is crucial. The best meat for smash burgers is freshly ground beef with a high fat content, such as 80/20. This ratio of lean meat to fat allows for crispy edges and a juicy interior. The fat content melts during cooking and creates a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients in the burger.
Why is Freshly Ground Beef Important?
Freshly ground beef is important because it retains more moisture and flavor compared to pre-packaged ground beef. When meat is ground, the surface area increases which can lead to oxidation, causing the meat to become dry and flavorless. When you grind meat fresh, the surface area is minimized, leading to a better texture and flavor.
- When selecting meat, choose a cut with a high fat content, such as chuck, brisket or short rib. These cuts have a good balance of fat and flavor.
- Make sure the meat is cold before grinding as it will reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
- When grinding, make sure to grind the meat only once. Over-grinding can force the fat out of the meat, leading to dry burgers.
What Equipment do I Need for Smash Burgers?
Smash burgers are the latest craze in the burger world, and for good reason. The thin, crispy crust on the outside and juicy interior make for the perfect burger experience. But before you start cooking, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment on hand.
Cast iron griddle or skillet
The first thing you’ll need is a cast iron griddle or skillet. This is because cast iron is known for its ability to retain heat, which is essential when cooking smash burgers. When heated properly, cast iron can reach high temperatures that are ideal for searing the meat and creating that delicious crust on the outside of the burger.
Metal spatula
Next up, you’ll need a metal spatula. This will help you to smash the burgers down and create that thin, crisp crust on the outside. Look for a spatula that is sturdy and has a thin edge, as this will make it easier to maneuver when smashing the burgers down.
Meat grinder (optional)
Finally, you may want to invest in a meat grinder if you’re planning on making smash burgers regularly. Grinding your own meat gives you complete control over the quality and texture of the meat, which can make a big difference in the final result. However, if you don’t have a meat grinder, you can still make great smash burgers using store-bought ground beef.
How to Make Perfectly Shaped Smash Burgers?
Smash burgers may look easy to make, but the truth is, it takes a bit of finesse to create a patty that’s thin and crispy around the edges yet juicy and flavorful in the middle. Follow these tips to make perfectly shaped smash burgers every time:
1. Choose the Right Meat
The meat blend you use to make smash burgers should contain at least 20% fat to ensure that the patties stay juicy and flavorful. Ground chuck or a mixture of ground beef and ground sirloin are excellent choices for smash burgers.
2. Divide the Beef into Small Portions
When forming the patties, don’t scoop up a big ball of meat and flatten it onto the griddle or skillet. Instead, divide the beef into small portions of about 2-3 ounces each. This will make it easier to control the shape and thickness of the patties.
3. Roll the Meat Into Balls and Season
Roll each portion of meat into a ball and season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t mix the seasoning into the meat as this can cause the burgers to become tough and dry.
4. Smash the Patties
Preheat the griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the meat ball onto the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down into a thin patty. Use the spatula to shape the sides as desired.
To prevent the meat from sticking to the spatula, you can lightly oil the surface of the spatula or spray the skillet with cooking spray before smashing the patty. Cook the patty for 1-2 minutes until it develops a crispy crust on the bottom. Flip the patty and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the other side is browned.
You can add cheese to the patty as it cooks, allowing it to melt and adhere to the meat.
Master the Art of Cooking Smash Burgers with These Tips
If you’re a burger lover looking for a crispy and flavorful cooking method, then smash burgers are the way to go! This technique is easy, quick, and guarantees a perfectly juicy and savory patty every time. Here are some tips to master the art of cooking smash burgers:
1. Choose the Right Beef
The first step to cooking amazing smash burgers is to choose the right ground beef. Look for a blend that has a minimum of 80% lean meat, which will give you a good amount of fat to develop a nice crust and flavor. Also, avoid overworking the meat when forming it into balls, as this can make the burgers dense and tough.
2. Get Your Griddle or Skillet Hot
For the best results, you need to cook your smash burgers on a hot griddle or skillet. Preheat it over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes to get it very hot. Then, add a thin layer of oil to the surface to prevent the meat from sticking and enhance the sear. Use tongs to spread the oil evenly.
3. Press the Meat Balls Down
Once your griddle or skillet is ready, it’s time to start cooking the smash burgers. Take your meat balls and place them on the surface, making sure to leave enough space between them to prevent overcrowding. Then, use a flat spatula or a dedicated burger smasher to press each ball down until you get a thin and crispy patty that’s about â…“ inch thick. This process should last between 10 and 30 seconds, depending on your preferred doneness.
4. Season the Burgers to Taste
While the burgers are cooking, you can season them with your favorite spices and flavors to enhance the taste. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the seasonings over the top of the burgers just after the first flip, so they absorb into the meat. You can also add cheese, bacon, pickles, onions, or any other toppings you desire.
5. Build the Perfect Smash Burger
Once your smash burgers are crispy and caramelized on both sides, it’s time to build the perfect sandwich. Lay a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt for a few seconds. Then, transfer the burgers to a toasted bun, and top them with your favorite sauces and vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayo, mustard, or even hot sauce. Serve and enjoy!
What are Some Delicious Smash Burger Toppings?
If you’re a fan of burgers, you know toppings can make or break the burger. When it comes to smash burgers, the possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings. Here are some delicious toppings you can add to your smash burger:
Cheese
Cheese is a classic burger topping, but it’s especially delicious on a smash burger. Add a slice of American cheese, cheddar cheese, or even pepper jack cheese for a flavorful twist.
Bacon
Everything is better with bacon, right? Add crispy bacon to your smash burger for a delicious crunch and added flavor.
Lettuce
Add some freshness to your smash burger with lettuce. It will bring a nice crunch and also balance out the flavors.
Tomato
Sliced tomato brings a juicy pop of flavor to your burger. It also adds some color and a bit of acidity.
Onion
Sautéed onions or even crispy onion rings add a nice crunch and brings a sweet and savory balance to your burger.
Pickles
If you’re a fan of pickles, add them to your smash burger for some tanginess and crunch.
Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard, and Special Sauces
Customize your smash burger with your favorite condiments and sauces. Some popular choices are ketchup, mayo, mustard, and special sauces like Thousand Island, BBQ, or aioli.
Thanks for Reading!
Now you’re ready to try making smash burgers on your own! Remember to choose the right blend of meat, preheat the skillet, use a spatula to smash the patty, and season properly. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Master the art of cooking smash burgers with these tips
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef chuck
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 8 slices pickles
Instructions
- Divide beef into 4 equal portions. Shape into balls and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef balls to the skillet and smash down with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook each patty for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and browned.
- Place cheese slices on top of the patty and let it melt. Spread mayonnaise on bun, then stack the patty, lettuce, and pickles.
- Serve your delicious smash burgers and enjoy!
