Smash burgers are nothing new. They have been around for a long time and recently, they have become particularly trendy. There’s a food truck just down the road from us that makes great smash burgers, but I don’t think I had ever made them until now. And I will say, I think they’re now my go-to when I want burgers for dinner. Not only are they delicious, but they are also much easier and faster to make than regular burgers.
Now, I realize that traditionally, a hefty handful of very thinly sliced onions is placed down onto the griddle before a ball of ground meat is smashed down into them. We have very different palettes sitting around our table, though, and not everyone loves the idea of grilled onions. While those people are crazy, they still deserve to have smash burgers the way they like them. I just served red onion on the side with all the other toppings and everyone was very happy.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of regular or medium ground beef (avoid lean meat for this one, if you can)
2 eggs
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
As much thinly sliced cheddar cheese as you would like (optional)
8 hamburger buns
Toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, red onion, bacon, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, to name a few)
Directions:
1.) Place ground beef in a large bowl and add eggs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix just until all ingredients are incorporated, being sure not to over-mix.
2.) Weigh out 4.5 ounces of beef and shape into a ball. Place on a baking sheet and continue with the rest of the meat.
3.) Place baking sheet into the fridge and let meat rest for at least half an hour.
4.) Spray a griddle with non-stick spray and heat to medium-high. You can also do this in a frying pan. I just think it’s easier to do it on a griddle.
5.) Once griddle just starts to smoke, place the balls of meat on it, making sure they are evenly spaced. Place a small piece of parchment on one ball of meat and press down using a burger press or the bottom of a pot, thereby smashing the burger onto the griddle. Repeat with remaining balls of meat.
6.) Cook meat for approximately three minutes on the first side. Then, flip. If you are using cheese, place it onto the burgers now. Cook the other side for another three minutes.
7.) Remove patties to a platter and serve alongside buns and toppings.
8.) Serve and enjoy!