Smash Your Way to Deliciousness: A Guide to Making Perfect Smashed Burgers

If you’re a burger lover, you’ve probably heard of smashed burgers, the latest trend in the burger world. Smashed burgers are thin, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. They are made by flattening a ball of ground beef on a hot griddle, or frypan, and pressing it down with a spatula until it’s thin and crispy. The result is a deliciously juicy, savory patty that’s perfect for burger lovers who like their burgers well-done.

Making smashed burgers at home is super easy, and you don’t have to be a professional chef to get it right. All you need is a few basic ingredients, a frying pan or griddle, and a spatula. In this article, we’ll show you how to make smashed burgers at home, step-by-step, so you can enjoy a mouth-watering burger any time you want. So, let’s get started!

If you’re a burger lover, you’ve surely heard of smashed burgers. These burgers have a crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. The secret to making a perfect smashed burger is all in the technique. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the ultimate smashed burgers.

1. Choose the right meat
The secret to a successful smashed burger is in the meat. Don’t go for lean meat, as it will become dry and flavorless when cooked. Instead, choose ground beef with a high-fat content, preferably 80/20 or 70/30. This will give your burgers a juicy, beefy flavor and a crispy texture.

2. Preheat your skillet
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet works best, but any heavy-bottom skillet will work. Preheating the skillet ensures that you get the perfect sear on the burgers.

3. Divide meat into portions
Divide your ground beef into portions. A standard size should be around 4 ounces each. Make a ball with the portioned meat, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overworked meat can become tough and dry.

4. Roll the balls into patties
Take each ball of ground beef and roll it into a patty. Don’t make the patties too thick, around 1/2 inch thickness is perfect.

5. Season the patties
Season the patties with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice. For a classic American taste, use garlic and onion powder. However, don’t add too much seasoning, as it will overpower the natural flavor of the meat.

6. Add a little fat to the skillet
Before placing your patties on the skillet, add a little way to it. This will ensure that the burgers don’t stick to the skillet.

7. Place the patties on the skillet
Place your patties on the skillet and make sure that there’s enough space between them. You don’t want them to touch, as it will cause them to steam.

8. Smash the patties
Using a sturdy spatula, smash the patties down into the skillet. Don’t worry if the patties are unevenly shaped or break apart, as this is part of the smashed burger charm.

9. Flip the patties and add cheese
After about 2-3 minutes, flip the patties over and add a slice of cheese. Any cheese will work, but American cheese is the most popular choice for smashed burgers.

10. Assemble the burger
Once your patties are cooked to your desired doneness, it’s time to assemble the burger. Choose your favorite type of bun, and add the burger patty along with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Serve and enjoy!

Types of Meat

When it comes to making smashed burgers, the type of meat you choose can greatly affect your end result. The most commonly used beef for burgers is ground chuck which is 80% lean and 20% fat. This fat content allows for a perfect crust and a juicy burger. However, there are other types of meat you can use to mix things up such as ground brisket, ground sirloin, or even a blend of different cuts of meat.

Seasoning

While the meat is the star of the show, seasoning plays a crucial role in creating the perfect smashed burger. Salt and pepper are a must, but don’t forget to experiment with other spices to elevate the flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are all popular options.

Burger Patties

After selecting your meat and seasoning, it’s time to form the patties. Divide your meat into equal portions and gently roll into a ball before pressing it down into a thick patty. Keep in mind that the patty will shrink as it cooks, so form it slightly larger than your desired size.

The Smash

The secret to creating the perfect smashed burger lies in the smash itself. Preheat your pan or griddle on high heat and place your patty on the surface. Using a spatula or a burger smasher, firmly press down on the patty and hold it for about 10 seconds. This will create a thin, crispy crust that provides a delicious texture contrast to the juicy interior.

Cheese Melt

One of the best parts of a burger is the gooey, melted cheese. Place a slice of your desired cheese on top of the patty while it’s still cooking and cover it with a lid. This will trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt perfectly.

Bun Selection

Choosing the right bun can make or break your burger. A softer bun that can absorb the juices and toppings without falling apart is ideal. Brioche buns, potato buns, or sesame seed buns are all popular choices.

Toppings

The toppings are where you can get creative with your smashed burger. Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to add bacon, avocado, or even a fried egg to take it to the next level.

Sauce

Sauce is the finishing touch that ties everything together. Popular options include ketchup, mustard, mayo, and barbecue sauce, but don’t be afraid to experiment with homemade sauces or a specialty sauce from your favorite burger joint.

Burger Assembly

Now that all of your components are ready, it’s time to assemble your burger. Place the patty on the bottom bun and add your desired toppings and sauce. Finish it off with the top bun and you’re ready to dig in.

Pairing with Sides and Drinks

A burger is always best enjoyed with a good side and drink. Fries, onion rings, or a side salad are all great options. As for drinks, a cold beer, soda, or milkshake all make for a delicious pairing. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Smashed Burgers

Burgers are a staple in American cuisine, and smashed burgers have recently gained popularity. There’s something to be said about the crunch you get when biting into a burger that’s smashed. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect smashed burger.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Meat

One of the most essential ingredients for any burger is good quality beef. For smashed burgers, you need to choose beef with a high-fat content. Look for 80/20 ground beef, which means the beef contains 80% lean meat and 20% fat. The fat helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful, and makes it easier to smash them.

Tip 2: Preheat the Griddle

Preheat the griddle to a high temperature before you start cooking the burgers. A hot griddle helps to create that crispy, caramelized crust on the patties. A cast-iron griddle is ideal for this type of cooking since it heats evenly and retains heat well.

Tip 3: Don’t Overwork the Meat

When you’re forming the patties, don’t overwork the meat. Gently shape the meat into a ball, and then flatten it into a patty that is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Overworking the meat can result in a tough, dry burger.

Tip 4: Smash the Burgers

Once you place the burger patty onto the griddle, use a spatula or another flat surface to smash the patty down. Press down on the patty with a firm, consistent pressure for about 10-15 seconds. This step will flatten the burger and create a crispy crust on the surface.

Tip 5: Dress Up Your Burger

Smashed burgers are versatile and can pair well with a wide variety of toppings. Try adding cheese, bacon, onions, pickles, or any condiments of your choice. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try different types of cheese or sauces to give your burger a unique flavor.

Now that you have these tips, you’re ready to make perfect smashed burgers. Experiment with different meat blends, seasonings, and toppings to make a burger that’s uniquely yours. With some practice and patience, you’ll be flipping out delicious burgers in no time.

Wrap it up and Stack it High

Hope you enjoyed learning how to make some tip-top smashed burgers. Now it’s time to get your apron and start flipping some juicy patties. Thanks for checking out this article and I hope to see you again soon. Don’t forget to invite your friends over for a barbecue and try out your new learned skills. Nothing screams summer like making some stacked burgers and having an excellent time with your loved ones!