Description
Sizzling beef smash burgers deliver ultimate backyard grilling satisfaction with crispy edges and juicy centers. Simple ingredients and quick cooking technique ensure restaurant-quality results that will impress everyone at your summer cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted and split
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil, such as canola
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp flavored seasoning salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic seasoning
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, and fresh lettuce
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Blend kosher salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl to create a potent flavor enhancer.
- Meat Handling: Loosely form ground beef into delicate balls without compressing, maintaining a light, airy texture that promises juiciness.
- Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat each beef ball with the seasoning mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
- Skillet Preparation: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, allowing surface to reach optimal searing temperature for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Cooking Surface Lubrication: Apply a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil across the skillet to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Patty Formation and Initial Cooking: Carefully place beef balls onto hot skillet, immediately smashing with a sturdy spatula to create thin, crispy patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges transform into a golden, crisp crust.
- Cheese Melting and Finishing: Flip patties, immediately crown with american or cheddar cheese, and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts luxuriously.
- Assembly and Garnishing: Transfer cheese-topped patties onto lightly toasted hamburger buns, then embellish with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, or mustard to complete this mouthwatering smash burger masterpiece.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum juiciness and flavor development.
- Handle Gently: Avoid overworking meat balls to prevent tough burgers; loose formation ensures tender texture.
- Heat is Critical: Cast iron skillet must be hot enough to create signature crispy, caramelized exterior within minutes.
- Seasoning Technique: Apply spice blend generously before smashing to maximize flavor penetration and develop rich crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg