Double Smash Burgers with Sauce Carolyn's Cooking from www.carolynscooking.com
Introduction
If you're looking for a burger that's juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, look no further than a smash burger. This style of burger is all about getting the perfect sear on the patty, which creates a crispy crust on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. With a few simple ingredients and some know-how, you can create a smash burger that will rival anything you'd find in a restaurant.
Ingredients
To make a smash burger, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
Kosher salt
Black pepper
American cheese slices
Hamburger buns
Butter or mayonnaise (optional)
Condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, pickles, etc.)
Ground Beef
When it comes to ground beef, you want to use a blend that has a little bit of fat. This helps keep the burger juicy and flavorful. Look for ground beef that's labeled 80/20 or 85/15, which means it's 80% or 85% lean and 20% or 15% fat.
Cheese
American cheese is the classic choice for a smash burger, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. Just make sure it's sliced thin so it melts quickly.
Hamburger Buns
Look for soft, squishy buns that can hold up to the juicy burger. You can use regular hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even English muffins.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here's how to make a smash burger:
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want the surface to be hot enough to sear the meat.
Step 2: Divide the Meat
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball and set aside.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Season each ball of meat with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Smash the Meat
Place one ball of meat onto the hot skillet and use a sturdy spatula to smash it down into a thin patty. The patty should be about ¼ inch thick.
Step 5: Cook the Meat
Let the patty cook for about 2 minutes without touching it. This allows the crust to form. Then, use the spatula to scrape under the patty and flip it over.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Place a slice of cheese on top of the patty and let it melt for about 30 seconds.
Step 7: Assemble the Burger
Remove the patty from the skillet and place it onto a hamburger bun. Add any condiments you like, such as ketchup, mustard, or pickles.
Step 8: Repeat
Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining balls of meat. You can cook more than one patty at a time if your skillet is large enough.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Serve the burgers hot and enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness.
Nutrition
If you're watching your calorie intake, here's the nutritional information for a classic smash burger with American cheese and a hamburger bun:
Calories: 595
Protein: 30 grams
Carbohydrates: 27 grams
Fat: 39 grams
Saturated Fat: 16 grams
Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
Sodium: 1060 milligrams
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect smash burger:
Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best sear.
Don't overwork the meat when forming the patties. This can make the burgers tough.
Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
Use a spatula with a flat edge to smash the meat down into a patty.
Don't press down on the meat too hard or you'll squeeze out the juices.
Let the crust form before flipping the patty.
Use thin slices of cheese that melt quickly.
Conclusion
A smash burger is a delicious, easy-to-make burger that's perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some know-how, you can create a juicy, flavorful burger that will rival anything you'd find in a restaurant. So fire up your skillet and get ready to enjoy a delicious burger that's sure to become a favorite.
