Smash Burgers

If you’ve never experienced a smash burgers, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious meals ever. These smash burgers are more than just a trend; it’s part of the beef burger evolution. Even though, smash burgers have become a mainstream experience; this burger is nothing new for us.

Our family butcher has been making flattened-out patties for a long time. We prefer it over the thicker patties, and so do many people we know. Flattened patties are easier to eat and so much more delicious. In this recipe, we have made the smash burger as a double patty burger. However, if your preference is a single patty burger which I happen to prefer, then go ahead and do so.

If you don’t have a butcher that makes the patties flat, you’re in luck; you can easily make this patty at home. It’s very simple: take a ball of ground beef, add it to a hot skillet with lots of butter, and then smash it down with a spatula or a burger smasher.

Ingredients

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

High-quality beef is the first step towards success; using ground beef with a higher fat count is essential. Eighty percent protein to twenty percent fat is the perfect combination of goodness. This ratio will create a juicy burger. Keeping the spices simple is also necessary to ensure success. Using simple salt and pepper will go a long way regarding flavour. The use of butter will also help a lot.

The higher the heat, the better. These thin patties cook up pretty fast; therefore, you must be ready for that beautiful caramelization. Make sure to use a nice cheddar cheese or cheese with a creamy flavour. Many people overlook the power of the sauce. You can use regular mayonnaise or gochujang mayonnaise to take the flavour over the top.

The optional ingredients are Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Fried chips, Leeks, Onions and Gochuchang mayonnaise. You can use a combination of your favourite toppings and fillings for the burger.

Instructions

Prepare the cooking tools and ingredients: There are two main stages for making the smash burger—one, making the burger patties, and two, cooking them. Smash burgers are fun to make and delicious. To make the patties, you will need a large mixing bowl, and to cook the patties, you will need a frying pan, parchment paper, and a burger smasher or burger presser. 

Gather the ingredients, such as beef minced meat, egg, bread crumbs, ginger and garlic paste, salt, pepper, and sliced cheddar cheese. Rinse the cucumber, tomato, onion, and leek and slice them. Rinse the lettuce in running water. 

Make the burger patty: 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. 

Cook the onion and the patties: Preheat the frying pan to medium-low heat, drizzle the cooking oil, and start to sauté the onion and the leek first. Sauté the aromatics for two minutes, then remove them from the pan. 

Then, add a little bit more oil and place the patty ball on the pan. Place the parchment paper on top of the patty, directly place the burger smasher on the patty, and press down in a circular motion until the patty is flattened to one centimetre. This applies to both patties, which are either hundred grams or fifty grams. Cook the patty for two minutes.

The parchment paper helps in this situation for two reasons. One, it protects the frying pan from being scratched by the burger smasher. Two, it keeps the burger smasher clean when pressing down the next patty.

Flip the burger patty: Flip the patty and cook for another two minutes. Add a tablespoon of oil if necessary. When the patties are done cooking, turn off the heat and place the cheeses on top of them. Let them rest for fifteen seconds on the pan until the cheeses melt, and then remove them from the pan.

After the patty is removed off the pan. Let it rest. Do not press down on the patty. The natural fat from the meat and the flavours will be trapped in the patty, this will make the burger patty soft and moist.

Add the fillings: Butter the buns and toast them for one minute on a pan. Add the lettuce, sautéed onion, and leek to the bottom bun and the smash burger patties. Then, add the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Apply the mayonnaise on the top bun and place it on top of the burger. Serve with your favourite drink and the sides like 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!