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:
- 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.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Toast the hamburger buns in the same pan while the burger cooks.
- 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!