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If you haven’t had a smash burger, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious meals around. Smash burgers are more than just a passing trend; they’re a significant evolution in the world of beef burgers. While they may be mainstream now, the concept of smash burgers isn’t new to us.

*Smash burgers are a great way to enjoy the weekend with the family.*

Our family butcher has been making flattened patties for a long time, and we prefer them over thicker patties. Many people we know share this preference. Flattened patties are easier to eat and are much more delicious. In this recipe, we will be making a smash burger with single patties.

If you don’t have a butcher who makes flat patties, you can easily prepare them at home. It’s very simple: just take a ball of ground beef, place it in a hot skillet with plenty of butter, and then smash it down with a spatula or burger press.

Ingredients

Ground Beef, Salt, White Pepper, Eggs, Ginger and Garlic paste, Brioche buns, Bread crumbs, Cheddar cheese.

To achieve a great burger, starting with high-quality beef is crucial. Using ground beef that has a higher fat content, specifically an 80% protein and 20% fat ratio, is ideal. This combination ensures a juicy burger. Additionally, it’s important to keep the seasonings simple; just using salt and pepper can significantly enhance the flavor. Incorporating butter will also contribute to that delicious taste.

For optimal results, cook at a high heat. These thin patties cook quickly, so be prepared to achieve that beautiful caramelization. It’s important to use a good-quality cheddar or any creamy cheese. Don’t underestimate the impact of the sauce; you can either use regular mayonnaise or elevate the taste with gochujang mayonnaise. Optional toppings include tomatoes, cucumbers, fried chips, leeks, onions, and gochujang mayonnaise. Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings and fillings for the burger.

There are two main stages to making a smash burger: first, preparing the burger patties, and second, cooking them. Smash burgers are fun to make and incredibly delicious. To prepare the patties, you’ll need a large mixing bowl. For cooking, you’ll require a frying pan, parchment paper, and a burger smasher or presser.

Instructions

If using any vegetables, it is always best to prepare them first and set them aside. Start by rinsing the cucumber, tomato, onion, and leek, then slice them. Make sure to rinse the lettuce under running water as well.

In a large mixing bowl, add the minced beef, egg, bread crumb, ginger and garlic paste, salt and pepper. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and make small balls of patties. Each ball of patty will weigh more or less about a hundred grams. You can also halve the weight and make each patty fifty grams, then fit two patties in one burger.

Preheat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Drizzle with cooking oil, then sauté the onion and leek for about two minutes before removing them from the pan. Next, add a bit more oil and place the ground meatball in the pan. Cover the patty with parchment paper, then use a burger smasher to press down in a circular motion until the patty is flattened to 1 centimeter thick.

This process applies to both 100-gram and 50-gram patties. Cook the patty for two minutes. The parchment paper serves two purposes: it protects the frying pan from being scratched by the burger smasher and keeps the smasher clean for pressing the next patty.

Flip the patty and cook for another two minutes. If necessary, add a tablespoon of oil. Once the patties are fully cooked, turn off the heat and place cheese slices on top. Allow them to rest on the pan for about fifteen seconds until the cheese melts, then remove the patties from the pan. After taking the patties from the pan, let them rest without pressing down on them. This will help retain the meat’s natural fats and flavors, making the burger patty soft and moist.

Next, butter the buns and toast them for one minute in the pan. On the bottom bun, layer the lettuce, sautéed onions, leeks, and the smash burger patties. Then, add sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Spread mayonnaise on the top bun and place it on top of the burger. Serve with your favorite drink and sides, such as French fries.

What to Serve with Smash Burgers?

Smash burgers pair wonderfully with French fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings. Other lighter sides are coleslaw, Green salad, or Cucumber salad. Pickles, grilled corn, or Jalapenos also balance the flavour profile by adding tangy, sweet, and spicy flavour. When it comes to drinks, the classic diner combo with the smash burgers is a vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry milkshake. Ice-cold fizzy drinks also balance the overall meal. Iced tea or lemonade adds sweet and fruity flavours that cut through the richness of the burger.

How to Store and Reheat Smash Burgers?

The smashed burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Freezing the smash burger is not recommended; however, it is a good idea to freeze only the patty, cook it, and have the smash burgers with fresh burger buns. The frozen patty can be stored in the fridge for up to two months. The best option is to use the microwave to reheat the smash burger, as it is the quickest and easiest. Alternatively, you can use a pan to reheat the smash burger by placing it upright on a pan and reheating it at the lowest temperature for two to three minutes with the lid closed.

Make sure to check the buns every minute to avoid burning. The best option to reheat the frozen patty is to use a stovetop on a pan. Set the temperature to medium-low, add one tablespoon of oil, and reheat the patty for three to four minutes on the initial side, then two to three minutes on the other side. When it’s done, toast your burger buns, add fillings, burger patty, and cheese, and enjoy!