Are you in the mood for a burger? Not just any burger, but one that’s been masterfully smashed to culinary perfection. Yes, I’m talking about a smash burger, a simple yet ingenious twist on the classic. Picture the renowned In-n-Out burger, but imagine it tenfold better because you’re the one behind the tasty. This is the story of taking a familiar favorite and elevating it to new heights, right in your own kitchen.
The journey begins with a pound of ground beef, the heart and soul of our smash burger. This isn’t just about shaping patties; it’s about a technique lovingly known as ‘creaming.’ Here’s where we gently smush the beef, dividing it into four even portions, and then forming them into balls. It’s a hands-on approach that ensures every inch of the burger is infused with personal touch and care. Seasoned with just salt and pepper, these soon-to-be patties are simple yet ready to transform.
As anticipation builds, the pan heats up to a sizzling medium-high. Each ball of seasoned beef is carefully placed onto the hot surface, then comes the smashing – not to destroy, but to create. With parchment paper and the heaviest spatula (or a trusty burger press), the awesome happens. A press and a sizzle, and the patties take shape, thin and wide, ready to crisp up to perfection. In this moment, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about crafting an experience, one smash at a time.
Ingredients for Smash Burger
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Cooking Oil, for the pan
- Parchment Paper
- Your choice of Cheese, for topping
- Burger Buns
- Condiments of your choice
- Burger Sauce (suggested: 2 parts mayonnaise, 1 part ketchup, 1 part mustard)
1. Preparing the Beef:
- Begin with 1 lb of ground beef. Divide it into four equal parts.
- Gently smush each part five times with your hand, a technique known as creaming, which helps in tenderizing the meat.
- Shape these portions into round balls and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cooking the Patties:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
- Place the beef balls in the pan.
- Cover each ball with parchment paper and smash them using the largest spatula you have, or a glass bottle for added weight. A burger press can also be used for this step.
- Remove the parchment paper, season the patties again, and allow them to cook for 1 minute.
3. Flipping and Cheesing:
- After 1 minute, flip the patties.
- Immediately top each patty with a slice of your favorite cheese and let them cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stacking and Serving:
- Stack one patty on top of another.
- Place the double patties on a bun that has been spread with your desired condiments and burger sauce (a mix of 2 parts mayo and 1 part each of ketchup and mustard works great).
- Add the other half of the bun on top.
5. The Final Touch:
- Serve the smash burger immediately for the best taste and enjoy the flavors of a homemade, crispy, and juicy burger.