Burgers
The Smash Burger
The Smash Burger recipe is a classic method for creating delicious, juicy burgers with a crispy exterior. Ground beef balls are smashed onto a scorching hot griddle or skillet, creating thin patties with an irresistible crispy outer crust and juicy interior. The burgers cook quickly over high heat, developing those coveted caramelized edges. Served on fresh brioche or potato buns that are lightly grilled with the burger fat, these smash burgers can be customized with your favorite toppings and sauces for the ultimate handheld meal.
The Smash Burger
Recipe Notes
- Yield: Makes 4 Burgers
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef, preferably 80/20 (lean to fat ratio)
- Coarse salt (sea or kosher) and freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for the griddle
- 4 freshly baked brioche or potato buns, split
- Your favorite burger condiments
Recipe Steps
1: Form the beef into 4 evenly-sized balls. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook them.
2: Heat your griddle, cast iron skillet, or plancha to high and lightly oil it.
3: Arrange the burger balls on the griddle, smashing them with a griddle press or cast iron skillet, leaving 3 inches between each. Cook until the bottoms are sizzling and darkly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Invert the burgers, using a thin-bladed spatula. Place a grill press or skillet on the burgers and press hard. Continue griddling until both sides are crusty and browned and the burger is cooked through—I like medium—5 to 6 minutes in all.
4: Meanwhile, grill the cut sides of the buns on the plancha in the burger fat.
5: To assemble the burgers, spread one of the bottom buns with a sauce of your choice. Place a piece of lettuce on top. Top with the burger, tomato, onion, and pickle slices, if using. Spread more sauce on the cut side of the top bun and place on top. Dig in!
