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A perfectly smashed burger creates an irresistible crust while staying juicy inside, elevated by sweet caramelized onions and spicy jalapeños. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a crave-worthy meal that rivals any restaurant burger.
Essential Ingredients Selection
- Ground Beef: Select 80/20 grass-fed beef, kept cold until cooking.
- Sweet Onions: Choose Vidalia or Walla Walla for optimal sweetness.
- Jalapeños: Pick firm, bright green peppers.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt and smoked paprika enhance beef flavor.
- Buns: Select sturdy buns that can hold up to juices.
Instructions
- Prep Work:
- Heat cast iron skillet until smoking hot. Prepare vegetables and seasonings while pan heats.
- Vegetable Base:
- Add oil to hot skillet. Introduce thinly sliced onions and jalapeños, cooking until deeply caramelized.
- Meat Preparation:
- Combine cold ground beef with measured seasonings, handling minimally to maintain tenderness.
- Patty Formation:
- Divide seasoned meat into equal portions, forming loose balls without compacting.
- The Smash:
- Place meat balls on vegetable piles, pressing firmly with metal spatula to create thin patties.
- First Side Cooking:
- Let patties cook undisturbed until edges show deep browning and develop crust.
- The Flip:
- Carefully scrape and flip each patty, preserving developed crust.
- Final Stage:
- Add cheese if desired, allowing it to melt while second side cooks.
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Temperature Control
Regulate heat based on thickness and desired doneness. Adjust flame lower if exterior browns too quickly before interior cooks.
Bun Preparation
Toast buns until golden brown to create a barrier against moisture, which helps maintain their structure and prevents sogginess from sauces or toppings. A light spread of butter before toasting can add richness and enhance flavor.
Sauce Application
Spread chipotle mayo generously on both halves of the bun to ensure every bite is flavorful. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula for even coverage. This layer also acts as a glue to hold the components together.
Layering Components
Place the patty with caramelized vegetables directly on the prepared bun to ensure the vegetables stay in place. For added stability and taste, layer cheese or an additional sauce over the patty if desired. Ensure the patty is centered to prevent uneven bites.
Proper Storage
To maintain the best flavor and texture, store cooked patties separately from toppings in airtight containers. This prevents moisture from the toppings from affecting the patty's texture. Use a different container for sauces to avoid sogginess. Proper separation keeps each component fresh and ready for reheating or assembly.
Reheating Method
Reheat patties in a hot skillet over medium heat to restore their crust and retain juiciness. Flip them halfway through for even heating. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the patties rubbery and unevenly heated. For added flavor, you can sear the patties in a bit of butter or oil.
Temperature Control
Before reheating, allow patties to return to room temperature for consistent heating and better texture. Cold patties can result in uneven reheating, where the outside overcooks while the inside stays cold. Letting them rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes ensures they reheat evenly and stay juicy.
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Mastering these components creates smash burgers with perfect texture contrast - crispy edges, juicy center, and complementary toppings that elevate this classic to gourmet status.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes a smash burger different from regular burgers?
- Smash burgers are pressed very thin on a hot cooking surface, creating crispy edges while staying juicy inside, unlike traditional thick patties.
- → Can I make these burgers less spicy?
- Yes, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes, use less chipotles in the mayo, or skip the pepper jack cheese for a milder version.
- → Why use grass-fed beef for these burgers?
- Grass-fed beef offers better flavor and nutritional benefits, but regular ground beef will work well too.
- → Can I make the chipotle mayo ahead of time?
- Yes, the mayo can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → What's the best pan to use for smash burgers?
- A cast iron skillet or flat top griddle works best as they retain heat well and create the perfect crust on the burgers.