Smashburgers

A Smashburger is a burger made by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot flat-top or cast-iron grill to create a thin burger with a flavorful crust and caramelization.

Ingredients

·         1 pound               Ground beef blend

·         1 each                   Medium onion, thinly sliced

·         8 each                   American cheese, slices

·         I head                    Iceberg lettuce

·         2 each                   Roma tomato, sliced

·         Optional               Pickle chips

·         4 each                   Burger buns

Equipment

·         Flat-top grill or cast-iron surface

·         Spatula

·         Burger smasher or press

·         Nonstick/parchment paper

Instructions

1.       Preheat the flat-top or cast-iron grill to high heat.

2.       Portion ground beef into 4-oz balls. Do not overwork the meat.

3.       Place the burger puck onto the hot grill.

4.       Lay a piece of nonstick/parchment paper over the burger puck.

5.       Using a spatula and burger press, firmly smash the burger as thin as possible.

6.       Add thinly sliced onions on top of the burger while cooking.

7.       Cook until a crust forms and the edges begin to brown.

8.       Flip the burger and cook for another 1–1½ minutes.

9.       Add cheese immediately after flipping and allow it to melt.

10.   For a double smashburger, stack two patties together.

11.   Remove from the grill and place onto a toasted bun.

12.   Finish with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any additional desired toppings.

Chef’s Notes

·         High heat is critical for proper caramelization.

·         Smashing should only be done once at the beginning of cooking.

·         Thin patties cook quickly and develop a crispy crust.

·         Toasting the bun improves texture and prevents sogginess.

·         For a quick burger sauce, mix together equal parts of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and a dash of Worcestershire