How to Make Smash Burgers

This famous burger is loved for its crispy edges, tender pieces of meat, and delicious toppings. We'll be using a juicy 80/20 blend of ground beef, and adding a secret hamburger sauce to take these burgers to the next level. Follow along as we show you how to make the perfect smash burger from start to finish.

The concept of the smash burger is believed to have originated at the Mallie's Sports Grill & Bar in Southgate, Michigan in the early 1990s. The owner, George Motz, is credited with creating the first smash burger and popularizing the concept through his documentary film "Hamburger America."

Smash burgers are often cooked using a technique called "the steakhouse method." This involves using a high-quality piece of beef and cooking it quickly over high heat, similar to how a steak is cooked. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger with a crispy, caramelized crust.

FAQs

What is a smash burger?

A smash burger is a type of burger made by flattening a ball of ground beef into a patty and cooking it quickly over high heat. The patty is "smashed" down onto the cooking surface using a spatula or other flat object, which helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust.

What kind of beef should I use for a smash burger?

For a traditional smash burger, it is recommended to use ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15. This helps to keep the burger juicy and flavorful.

Can I make smash burgers on a grill?

Yes, you can definitely make smash burgers on a grill. Preheat the grill to high heat and cook the burgers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Can I add toppings to a smash burger?

Yes, you can add all kinds of toppings to a smash burger, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, and sauce. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to customize your burger.

How do I store leftover smash burgers?

If you have leftover smash burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burgers in a pan or on a griddle over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can wrap the burgers in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Make it

How to Make Smash Burgers

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80/20)

2 burger buns

2 slices American cheese

Lettuce, tomato, thinly sliced white onion, and pickles to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for cooking

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon relish

A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika

Instructions:

Preheat a griddle or large pan over high heat.

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into balls. Season both sides of the balls with salt and pepper.

Place the balls on the griddle or in the pan and use a spatula or the bottom of a metal bowl to press down on each ball and flatten it into a thin, wide patty.

Cook the patties for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of one of the patties and allow it to melt.

While the patties are cooking, mix together all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Toast the burger buns, if desired.

Assemble the burgers by spreading the sauce on the buns, adding the patties (with cheese on top of one patty), and topping with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Enjoy!