Here’s a recipe for juicy, flavorful smash burgers you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Hamburger buns
• Sliced cheese (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a loose ball, handling the meat as little as possible. Do not overmix or pack the meat tightly.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.

1. Place one ball of meat on the hot pan. Immediately top with a square of parchment paper and use a spatula or burger press to firmly smash the meat into a thin patty. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the patty for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through to your desired doneness. If using cheese, add it to the patty during the last 30 seconds of cooking.

1. Toast the hamburger buns in the same pan while the burger cooks.

1. Assemble your burgers! Place the cooked patty on a toasted bun and top with your desired toppings. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the burgers, or they will dry out.
• Get creative with your toppings! There are endless possibilities.
• For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder to the ground beef before forming the patties.
• If you don’t have a cast iron skillet or griddle, you can use a regular frying pan. However, a cast iron skillet will give you the best results.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!