Smash burgers are delicious, juicy burgers made by smashing balls of ground beef onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating crispy, caramelized edges. Here's a basic recipe to make smash burgers at home:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, condiments, etc.)
Instructions:
1. **Preheat Griddle or Skillet**: Place a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want the surface to be very hot to create a nice sear on the burgers.
2. **Divide Ground Beef**: Divide the ground beef into evenly sized balls, usually about 2-4 ounces each, depending on the desired size of your burgers. Don't handle the meat too much or pack it too tightly, as this can result in tough burgers.
3. **Season Meat**: Season each ball of ground beef generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional seasonings or spices if desired.
4. **Smash Burgers**: Place one ball of ground beef onto the hot griddle or skillet. Using a flat spatula or burger press, firmly press down on the ball to smash it flat into a thin patty. Press down evenly to create an even thickness. Repeat with the remaining balls of ground beef, making sure not to overcrowd the griddle or skillet.
5. **Cook Burgers**: Let the burgers cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on one side, allowing them to develop a nice crust and caramelized edges. Flip the burgers using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on top of each burger during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid to melt.
6. **Toast Buns**: While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the griddle or in a separate pan until golden brown.
7. **Assemble Burgers**: Once the burgers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the griddle or skillet and let them rest for a minute. Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a toasted bun and adding your favorite toppings.
8. **Serve**: Serve the smash burgers immediately while they're still hot and juicy. Enjoy!
Smash burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, so try to serve them as soon as they're ready. Feel free to customize your burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments to make them your own.