The “smash burger” refers to a style of burger preparation where the meat is smashed onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating a thin and crispy patty with a delicious crust. Now sometimes that turns out nice and thin, other times, the patty bounces back up, but nonetheless, keep that crust, because that one is essential. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat is recommended for juicy burgers)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- American cheese slices
- Hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments of choice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Griddle or Skillet:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before you start cooking.
- Divide and Shape Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into equal portions (usually about 2 to 4 ounces each, depending on your preference). Shape each portion into a loose ball.
- Season:
- Season one side of each meat ball with salt and pepper.
- Smash and Cook:
- Place a ball of meat on the hot griddle or skillet, seasoned side down.
- Immediately use a sturdy spatula to smash the ball flat. Press down firmly to create a thin patty.
- Season the top side with salt and pepper.
- Cook and Create Crust:
- Let the patty cook without disturbing it until the edges start to turn brown and crispy. This creates the coveted crust.
- Flip and Add Cheese:
- Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of American cheese on top.
- Allow the other side to cook until it develops a crust.
- Build Your Burger:
- Transfer the patty to a bun and build your burger with your favorite toppings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the patty is hot and the cheese is melty.
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