Grilling Tips: How to Make Perfect Smash Burgers

Are you tired of the same old burgers on the grill? Well, it’s time to switch things up and try making smash burgers! They are a delicious and easy way to spice up your summer cooking routine, and we’ll show you just how to do it.

Smash burgers are essentially burgers flattened on the grill to create a crispy, flavorful crust. They are perfect for those who enjoy a crispy exterior and juicy interior in their burgers. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering smashed burger that will impress your friends and family at your next cookout.

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What You Need to Make Smash Burgers on the Grill

Making the perfect smash burger on the grill requires only a few ingredients and tools. You will need:

1. Ground Beef – Use high-fat ground beef (80/20), which will help create a mouth-watering crust. Get around 1/4 or 1/3 pound for each patty.
2. Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning, but essential for bringing out the meat’s flavor. Use 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper per patty.
3. Buns – Select buns that are toasted on the cut side to hold the juicy patty and toppings.
4. Cheese – Optional, but ideal for adding an extra layer of flavor. American cheese is often used, but cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack are also great choices.
5. Spatula – Get a flat spatula or a metal bench scraper that is over 8 inches long to flatten the patties.

How to Make Smash Burgers on the Grill

Follow these ten simple steps to make smash burgers on the grill:

1. Heat Up the Grill – Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 450°F to 500°F.
2. Prepare the Beef – Divide the ground beef into 4 to 6 equal pieces and gently shape each into a ball. Do not overwork the meat, or it will lead to tough burgers.
3. Season the Beef – Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the beef ball.
4. Flatten – Place a ball of beef onto the griddle, and press it down with a spatula until it is paper-thin. Hold the spatula parallel to the cooking surface and then press down firmly and quickly. This pressing action creates a crust on the outside and maintains the juiciness inside.
5. Grill – Cook the burger for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. When the edges are crispy and brown, flip over, add cheese on top, and cover the grill to melt the cheese.
6. Toast the Buns – While the burgers are cooking, slice the buns in half and place them cut side down on the grill to toast. Take them off when they are golden brown.
7. Build the Burger – Spread an optional sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard, on the toasted buns. Then add lettuce, tomato, onion, or any other toppings you like.
8. Assemble the Burger – When the cheese is melted, use the spatula to transfer the patty to the bottom bun. Stack other toppings, if using. Finally, place the top bun on and press down lightly.
9. Repeat – Make more patties, repeating steps 2 to 8 until all the beef is consumed.
10. Serve – Serve the hot smash burgers on the grill with fries, pickles, or any side you prefer.

Conclusion

Making smash burgers on the grill is fun, quick, and easy. With these ten simple steps, you can make mouth-watering burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers every time. Experiment with different toppings, sauces, and seasonings to create your version of the perfect smash burger. Once you’ve mastered the art of making smash burgers on the grill, you’ll never look back!

What You’ll Need

Before you begin making smash burgers on the grill, you need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to make delicious and crispy smash burgers:

1. Ground Beef: The most important ingredient! Choose a high-quality beef that has a moderate fat content, preferably around 80/20. You’ll need approximately 4 ounces of beef per patty.

2. Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or mix in some garlic powder, onion powder, or even steak seasoning to add flavor. Don’t go overboard as the flavor of the beef should still be the star of the show.

3. Buns: Choose buns that are soft and lightly toasted, but still sturdy enough to hold the juicy patty and toppings. A brioche or potato bun works well.

4. Toppings: Get creative! Choose toppings like cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles. Whatever you like on a burger, go for it.

5. Spatula: Choose a wide spatula with a tapered edge. This will help you to easily scrape the burger off the grill and flip it without breaking.

6. Grill: For best results, use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet instead of a grill griddle. This will help with the crispy texture.

7. Butter: Use butter to coat the beef and the griddle. It helps to produce a crust on the beef and also adds flavor.

8. Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or special sauce – choose your weapon of choice.

9. Side dishes: Fries, onion rings, salad – choose whatever side dishes you prefer.

10. Drinks: Your favorite refreshing drink – beer, soda, or lemonade. Whatever suits your fancy.

With all of your equipment and ingredients ready and waiting, let’s move on to the next step in making smash burgers on the grill!

Choosing the right meat for your smash burgers

When it comes to making great smash burgers, choosing high-quality meat is key. While you can use any type of ground beef, high-fat content, such as 80/20, is ideal. Here are some tips for selecting the best meat for your burgers:

Once you’ve selected your meat, it’s important to handle it with care. Make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it and avoid over handling it as this can result in tough, dry burgers. When it’s time to form your burger patties, be sure to keep them roughly the same size and thickness so that they cook evenly. With the right meat and proper handling, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious smash burgers on the grill.

Time to get grilling!

Now that you know how to make smash burgers on the grill, it’s time to get cookin’. Grab your favorite toppings, a cold beverage, and enjoy your delicious creation. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy grilling!