how to make smash burger

Smash burgers are delicious and relatively simple to make. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make smash burgers:

Ingredients:

Ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat is recommended)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Burger buns

Cheese slices (optional)

Condiments and toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc.)

Instructions:

Preheat your cooking surface: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until it's hot. You want the surface to be very hot to create a nice sear on the burger.

Prepare the patties: Divide the ground beef into portions, roughly 4 to 6 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a thin patty, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.

Smash the patties: Place a patty onto the hot cooking surface and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula to create a thin, flat patty. Press down for about 10 seconds to ensure good contact with the surface. Repeat with the remaining patties, leaving some space between each one.

Cook the patties: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until the edges start to turn brown and crispy. If you want to add cheese, place a slice on top of each patty after flipping them.

Flip and finish cooking: Using a spatula, carefully flip each patty, being careful not to break them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, or adjust the cooking time based on your preference.

Toast the buns: While the patties finish cooking, you can lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster if desired.

Assemble the burgers: Remove the cooked patties from the heat and let them rest for a minute. Place each patty on a bun, and add your preferred condiments and toppings.

Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious smash burgers immediately while they're still hot. They pair well with fries, onion rings, or a side salad.

Feel free to customize your burgers with different toppings, sauces, or seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade smash burgers!

Smashburger is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in burgers. It was founded in 2007 by Tom Ryan, a fast-food industry veteran, with the goal of reinventing the classic American burger by introducing the concept of "smashing" the burger patty.

The story of Smashburger began when Tom Ryan and a team of experienced restaurateurs recognized a gap in the market for a high-quality, fast-casual burger joint. They wanted to create a burger that was different from the typical fast-food offerings, focusing on freshness, flavor, and customization.

The key to Smashburger's success lies in their unique cooking method. Instead of simply grilling or frying the burger patty, they developed a technique called "smashing." They take a ball of fresh, never-frozen ground beef and place it on a hot buttered grill. Using a specialized tool, they smash the ball down onto the grill, creating a thin, crispy edge while sealing in the juices and flavors of the meat. This technique results in a delicious, caramelized crust on the patty, giving the burger a distinctive taste and texture.

To complement the flavorful patties, Smashburger offers a wide range of fresh toppings and sauces. Customers can choose from an array of cheeses, vegetables, condiments, and buns to create their own custom burger. They also offer signature burgers with unique combinations of toppings, such as the Classic Smashburger with American cheese, Smash sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.

As Smashburger gained popularity, the chain expanded rapidly. They opened new locations across the United States and even ventured into international markets. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere attracted a loyal following.

In addition to burgers, Smashburger also offers other menu items like chicken sandwiches, salads, and hand-spun milkshakes. They strive to provide a well-rounded dining experience for their customers, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Over the years, Smashburger has received numerous accolades and positive reviews for their innovative approach to burgers. They continue to evolve and experiment with new flavors and menu items, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting.

The success of Smashburger has inspired other burger chains to adopt the smashing technique, contributing to the popularity of this style of burger. Today, Smashburger remains a prominent player in the fast-casual dining scene, delighting customers with their delicious, smashed-to-order burgers.