What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is a hamburger cooked by pressing the meat directly onto a hot griddle. This technique allows the meat to form a crispy crust on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. It’s a quick and delicious way to make burgers, with a golden exterior that gives it an amazing flavor.
The best part about smash burgers is that they are super easy to make and don’t require many ingredients. You just need a good ball of meat, a very hot griddle, and the desire to press the meat hard so it cooks quickly and turns out perfect.
Differences between a smash burger and a traditional burger
Smash burgers and traditional burgers share the same foundation, but they differ in several key aspects. Below are the main differences between the two:
- Cooking technique: In smash burgers, the meat is pressed directly onto a hot griddle, while in traditional burgers, the meat is formed into a thick patty before cooking.
- Texture: Smash burgers have a crispy crust due to direct contact with the griddle, whereas traditional burgers tend to be softer on the outside.
- Cooking time: Smash burgers cook much faster because of their reduced thickness, while traditional burgers take longer due to their thicker size.
- Flavor: The caramelization in smash burgers intensifies the flavor of the meat, while in traditional burgers, the flavor is more uniform.
- Thickness: As mentioned before, smash burgers are thin and crispy, while traditional burgers are thicker and juicier.
Although both are delicious, the main difference lies in the cooking technique and the final result in terms of texture and flavor. It all comes down to your personal preference!
The best bun for making smash burgers
The bun is key to fully enjoying a smash burger. Below are some important points about the best bun for this type of burger:
- Texture: The bun should be soft, but firm enough to hold the meat and ingredients without falling apart.
- Type of bun: Brioche or potato rolls are ideal, as they have a fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the taste of the meat.
- Toasting: Lightly toasting the bun before using it gives it a crispy texture and helps prevent it from getting soggy with the meat juices or sauces.
- Size: The size of the bun should be proportional to the burger. It shouldn't be too large or too small, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance between meat and bread.
Choosing the right bun can make the difference between a good smash burger and an incredible one. Don’t underestimate its importance!
Tips for getting the perfect crispy crust
Achieving a crispy crust is one of the most important aspects of a perfect smash burger. Here are some key tips to get that golden, delicious texture:
- Use a very hot griddle: Temperature is crucial. Make sure the griddle or pan is preheated to about 190-200°C (375-400°F). A very hot surface allows the meat to caramelize quickly, creating the crispy crust.
- Don't use oil: The meat has enough fat (ideally 20%) to prevent sticking. Cooking without oil maximizes direct contact between the meat and the griddle, which helps form the crust.
- Smash the meat immediately: Place the ball of meat on the griddle and press it down firmly using a sturdy spatula or press. Do this right after placing it on the hot surface so it spreads and caramelizes properly.
- Don’t flip too soon: Let the meat cook fully on one side before flipping, about 2 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges are golden and crispy.
- Use a thin spatula: To flip the burger without losing the crust, use a thin, firm spatula, making sure to scrape up all of that golden surface.
By following these tips, you'll get a smash burger with a crispy crust on the outside and juicy inside—just as it should be!
Classic ingredients to accompany a smash burger
The ingredients that accompany a smash burger are simple but essential to enhance the flavor of the meat. Below are the most classic ones along with their quantities:
- Ground beef: 500 grams (for 4 burgers), preferably with 80% lean meat and 20% fat to ensure juiciness.
- Brioche or potato roll buns: 4 buns, soft and slightly sweet, ideal for complementing the flavor of the meat.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, to lightly toast the buns and give them a crispy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: 4 slices, the go-to cheese for smash burgers because it melts easily and adds a creamy flavor.
- Lettuce: 4 fresh leaves, providing freshness and a crunchy touch that contrasts with the meat.
- Tomato: 1 large tomato, sliced, adding juiciness and a slight acidic touch.
- Onion: 1 onion (can be raw or caramelized), both options add extra flavor to the burger.
- Pickles: To taste, sweet and sour pickles are a classic that add a tangy and crunchy touch.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to season the meat before smashing it on the griddle.
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, to give the meat that extra flavor kick.
These ingredients are commonly used to maintain a balance between the juiciness of the meat and the freshness of the vegetables.
How to make smash burgers at home step by step
Making smash burgers at home is easy and quick if you follow these steps carefully. Here’s how to prepare them simply:
- Prepare the meat : Divide 500 grams of ground beef (80/20) into 4 equal portions (about 125 grams each). Form balls with the meat, but don’t flatten them yet. It’s important that the meat is cold before cooking to maintain its juiciness.
- Preheat the griddle or skillet : Place a cast iron griddle or skillet over high heat. It needs to be very hot to achieve a good crust on the meat. While it heats up, you can lightly toast the buns (brioche or potato roll) with a little butter on the same surface.
- Smash the meat balls : Place the meat balls on the hot griddle and, using a sturdy spatula, press them down firmly until they are very thin (about 1 cm thick). This step is crucial for forming the crispy crust characteristic of smash burgers.
- Season and cook : Once smashed, season the burgers with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. Then, flip the burgers and cook for another minute.
- Add the cheese : Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger immediately after flipping them so it melts nicely. If you prefer a double burger, you can stack two patties with cheese between them.
- Assemble your smash burger : Place the cheese-topped burgers on the toasted bun and add classic ingredients like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Don’t forget to add your favorite sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup.
And that’s it! Now you have delicious smash burgers ready to enjoy.
The importance of thickness in smash burgers
The thickness of smash burgers is essential to achieving their characteristic texture and flavor. Unlike traditional burgers, which tend to be thicker, smash burgers are pressed until they are quite thin, approximately 1 cm thick. This flattening allows the meat to have more contact with the hot griddle, which creates a crispy crust on the outside thanks to the Maillard reaction.
Maintaining the right thickness also ensures that the meat cooks quickly and evenly without losing its juiciness. If the burger is too thick, it won’t develop the desired crust and might remain undercooked inside. That’s why balancing a thin patty with quick cooking is key to getting a perfect smash burger: crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Recommended sauces to accompany your smash burger
Sauces are the perfect complement to enhance the flavor of a smash burger. Below are some of the most recommended sauces to accompany your burger:
- Mayonnaise: Classic mayonnaise adds creaminess and softens the intense flavor of the meat.
- Ketchup: A staple that adds a sweet and tangy touch, balancing the flavors.
- Mustard: Ideal for giving your smash burger a spicy and tangy kick.
- Barbecue sauce: If you enjoy a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, barbecue sauce is an excellent choice.
- Special sauce (Big Mac style): A mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and a hint of mustard that will give your burger a unique taste.
These sauces are perfect for complementing the crispy and juicy flavor of the meat in a smash burger. You can use them individually or combine them to create your own personalized version.
Ideas for sides to accompany a perfect smash burger
A smash burger is already delicious on its own, but choosing the right sides can take your experience to the next level. Here are some classic and light ideas to accompany your burger:
- Classic French fries: The ultimate side dish. You can opt for traditional fries or healthier versions like oven-baked fries.
- Onion rings: Crunchy and flavorful, they are the perfect complement to a smash burger.
- Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy option that contrasts with the juiciness of the burger.
- Sweet potato fries: A sweeter and healthier alternative to regular fries, adding a different touch.
- Cucumber and tomato salad: Light and refreshing, ideal for balancing out the intense flavor of the meat.
- Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, or roasted peppers add a healthy and delicious touch.
- Nachos with guacamole: Perfect for giving your meal a Mexican twist, combining crunchiness with creaminess.
These sides not only complement the flavor of the smash burger but also offer varied options for all tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best type of meat for making a smash burger?
A: To get a juicy and flavorful smash burger, it’s ideal to use ground beef with 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio ensures that the burger stays juicy and develops a good crispy crust when cooked.
Q: Do I need a press to make a smash burger?
A: It’s not strictly necessary, but a press or a sturdy spatula helps to flatten the meat evenly and quickly, which promotes the formation of the crispy crust. If you don’t have a press, you can use any flat and heavy object.
Q: How long should I cook each side of the smash burger?
A: Cook the first side for about 2 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. Then, flip the burger and cook the other side for approximately 1 more minute, or until the cheese is well melted.
Q: Is it necessary to toast the bun for a smash burger?
A: Yes, lightly toasting the bun with a bit of butter on the griddle improves the texture and prevents it from getting soggy with the meat juices or sauces. Plus, it adds a crispy touch that perfectly complements the burger.
